Bio-physical modelling
The various quantitative MRI parameters are sensitive to different aspects of tissue microstructure and chemical environments inside the brain, such as to myelin or iron content. Using established knowledge and novel discoveries on biophysical processes that underly the MR signal, we develop models to make direct inferences on microstructure based on MRI data. For example, we develop biophysical models to quantify iron in superficial white matter and the substantia nigra and to assess the mesoscopic organization of the cortex with diffusion imaging. Such models also provide a deeper understanding of cortical layering from measured MRI data.
