Computing Resources for Rapid Reconstruction and Analysis of Next Generation Magnetic Resonance

Description:

The Brain Imaging Core (BIC) is one of four major cores of the Waisman Center’s Intellectual & Developmental Research Center that provides research support and resources central to the scientific mission of advancing and integrating behavioral and biological research to study human development, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative disease. The BIC provides infrastructure for neuroscience imaging research such as a magnetic resonance imager and a computational cluster for image analysis as well as help and guidance in experimental design and analysis. Users of the facility are from multiple departments and schools across the UW-Madison campus and include both experienced and first-time neuroimaging researchers.

Central to the mission of the BIC is the ability to provide access to state-of-the-art imaging and analysis techniques.  As part of this, the BIC is working to integrate novel processing and analysis methods, including many developed by the BIC, directly with MRI data acquisition, allowing all BIC users, including those without extensive computational backgrounds or personnel, to enjoy the benefits of these new techniques.

Example uses may include motion correction (image deblurring) and advanced image reconstruction methods to reduce the length of imaging exam times, both essential techniques for imaging children with developmental disorders.  Other uses may include machine learning for identifying and characterizing differences of brain structures between groups and individuals with different conditions. This project facilitates upgrading and expanding computing resources of the BIC in order to support the rapid increasing computational demands of such methods.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

Douglas Dean, assistant professor of pediatrics and medical physics

CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

Steve Kecskemeti, associate scientist and staff Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) physicist at the Brain Imaging Core at the Waisman Center

CO-INVESTIGATOR:

Andrew Alexander, Professor of Medical Physics and Psychiatry, and Co-Director of the Brain Imaging Core

CORE:

Brain Imaging Core at the Waisman Center