Methods & Platforms

 

cBRAIN operates as an integrated translational research platform. Our methods are organized to move questions across the bench-to-bedside pipeline — from in-vivo phenotyping in humans, to mechanistic investigation in animal models, to intervention and target engagement. Each platform contributes a distinct but complementary capability, and the scientific power of the lab lies in their integration.

M1 · Multimodal Neuroimaging

 

In-vivo phenotyping across the lifespan. We apply advanced multimodal MRI to characterize brain structure, function, neurochemistry, viscoelasticity, and microstructure in human cohorts. Our imaging protocols are optimized for both research-grade sensitivity and clinical translation, and span pediatric, adult, and aging populations.

  • Diffusion MRI — diffusion tensor imaging, tractography, free-water imaging, connectivity
  • MR spectroscopy — neurochemical profiling of injury and inflammation
  • Functional MRI — resting-state and task-based connectivity
  • Structural MRI — cortical thickness, volumetry, morphometry, brain age
  • Perfusion MRI — global and regional brain perfusion
  • Quantitative MRI — perivascular space quantification, susceptibility mapping
  • MR Elastography — viscoelastic properties

M2 · Translational Models

 

Mechanism and validation through imaging analysis. To bridge clinical observation and biological mechanism, we work with data from translational animal models of traumatic brain injury and repetitive head impacts. cBRAIN partners with experimental laboratories and contribute the imaging methodology, analysis pipelines, and cross-species translation that link animal findings to our human research programs.

  • Development of MRI acquisition and analysis pipelines for animal imaging, matched to human protocols
  • Analysis of in-vivo and ex-vivo MRI data from collaborative animal studies
  • Automated segmentation and annotation workflows for animal MRI
  • Cross-species translation of imaging biomarkers between animal models and human cohorts
  • Integration of imaging findings with histological, immunohistochemical, and fluid biomarker data provided by experimental partners

M3 · Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback

 

Intervention and circuit-level target engagement. We have developed a novel real-time fMRI neurofeedback platform that enables individuals to modulate the activity of defined brain circuits during scanning. By providing immediate feedback on circuit-level brain activity, the platform allows participants to learn self-regulation of targeted networks — opening a new route to non-pharmacological intervention in brain injury and psychiatric conditions.

This platform closes the translational loop: insights from imaging and mechanism define the circuit target, neurofeedback delivers the intervention, and the same imaging modality measures target engagement. Our work in this area has produced first-in-class evidence that circuit-targeted neurofeedback can change clinical outcomes establishing real-time fMRI neurofeedback as a viable precision intervention.

  • Real-time fMRI acquisition and analysis pipeline
  • Circuit-level target identification from multimodal imaging
  • Individualized neurofeedback protocols
  • Quantification of target engagement and learning
  • Clinical proof-of-concept studies linking circuit modulation to symptom change