NZ research helps in brain breakthrough
Researchers from New Zealand are developing a new brain imaging technique that will help detect brain disorders and aneurysms before they become lifethreatening, and allow the brain to be seen as never before.
The new technique, called 3D amplified MRI, or 3D aMRI, reveals pulsating brain movement, which could help researchers to non-invasively diagnose brain disorders.
It allows the brain’s movement to be seen in all directions in 4D animation models, and could help with everything from brain health to brain surgery.
The findings were published in two separate articles in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Brain Multiphysics overnight on Wednesday.
Gisborne-based researcher Dr Samantha Holdsworth is leading development of the technique, which is also being used on several research projects.
‘‘We are using 3D aMRI to see if we can find new insights into the effect of mild traumatic brain injury on the brain,’’ said Holdsworth, who is the director of research at Ma¯tai centre in Gisborne, a senior lecturer at the University
of Auckland and principal investigator at the Centre for Brain Research.
‘‘We can really see what’s going on there.’’
One study already under way is a collaboration between Ma¯ tai and the University of Auckland that uses 3D aMRI together with brain modelling methods to develop a non-invasive way of measuring brain pressure, which in some cases could remove the need for brain surgery, Holdsworth said.
‘‘While we don’t have a proven clinical application yet, there are some promising preliminary results showing its use in patients that have had an obstruction in their brain.’’
It is an extension of an original technique developed at Stanford, and means the brain can be seen in ‘‘exquisite’’ detail, she said. ‘‘This is a much more accurate version of that method. It allows us to see the brain move in all directions.’’
Miriam Sadeng, an associate professor at the University of Auckland in the department of anatomy and medical imaging, said the new method would help experts understand the flow of fluid through the brain.
‘‘It will allow us to develop new models of how the brain functions, that will guide us in how to maintain brain health and restore it in disease or disorder,’’ she said.