Multimodal imaging of brain metabolism in humans in vivo
Supervisors: Dr Iris Asllani, Dr Alessandro Colasanti
Application deadline: Wednesday 31 January 2024
Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the project
The overall goal of this PhD thesis is the development and implementation of metabolic imaging techniques, including arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion MRI1 and quantitative BOLD MRI2 , for a comprehensive assessment of oxygen metabolism in the healthy brain at baseline. This is a methodology driven thesis that will provide the tools for future basic neuroscience and/or clinical applications such as mitochondria diseases and stroke. The candidate will work on proving the feasibility of multi-method imaging for providing absolute measurement of cerebral oxygen metabolism at baseline and during modulated breathing conditions, potentially including visual and/or motor activation.
The PhD student will be involved in implementing, testing, and optimizing the sequences, including writing the relevant software for image processing and analyses.
Successful completion of the thesis will ensure that the candidate has gained:
(1) Knowledge of the fundamental principles of brain function and anatomy;
(2) Knowledge of the basic mathematical and physics of neuroimaging;
(3) Ability to acquire brain images using two different hardware systems;
(4) Ability to develop software for multi-modal image processing.
Funding notes
The studentship will be funded for a 3-year duration. The funding will cover home fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate, and research costs of up to £3,000 per annum. If a ‘top-up’ to international fees is required, this must be provided by the applicant from their own funds or external sources.
How to apply
In order to apply, please visit the University of Brighton website, and select “Doctoral College” as the School, and you will see the project listed to apply directly.
References
- Borogovac A, Habeck C., Small S.A, Asllani I (2010) Mapping brain function using a 30-day interval between baseline and activation: a novel arterial spin labeling fMRI approach, Journal Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 30(10), 1721-33
- Kacmarz S., Hyder F., Preibisch C., (2020), Oxygen extraction fraction mapping with multi-parametric quantitative BOLD MRI: Reduced transverse relaxation bias using 3D-GraSE imaging, NeuroImage, 220, 117095