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.
Understanding brain development and decline is of utmost importance in an aging society. MRI Biophysics Research Group aims to uncover crucial mechanisms of human brain aging, by identifying the contribution of iron accumulation, a major determinant of brain development and brain decline.
more
Combined diffusion and T1 contrast can be used to explore the cortical grey matter structural complexity in the human brain in vivo.
more
We linked the effective transverse relaxation rate R2* with dopaminergic cell densities and iron concentrations in nigrosome 1 by combining 3D quantitative iron histology, post mortem ultra-high resolution MRI, tissue deironing, and analytical modeling approaches.
more
We characterize the cortical layers by biomechanical modeling and simulation of the developed human cortex tissue in-vivo using hyperelastic material models.
more
Transverse relaxation parameters are quantified in vivo for different cortical structures of the human brain at ultra-high field strength.
more
