Neuroimaging

At the BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute (BMEII), one of our main areas of research is the development of novel, transformative tools to better visualize and quantify the structure, function and metabolism of the brain. These tools are immediately translated to study the living human brain in the diseased and healthy state.

Over the last three decades, there has been unprecedented progress in the study of the brain. State-of-the-art brain imaging has allowed a first-time glimpse into the structure, functioning, and connectivity of the human and brain in both healthy and disease states.

Mount Sinai is one of the few institutions that has invested in the seven Tesla human MRI scanner that produces high-resolution images to visualize and measure changes in the brain that were previously undetectable. This advanced imaging technology makes it possible to noninvasively capture subtle neurological abnormalities that could allow for early detection of disease and open up the potential for treatment for patients who are refractory to drug treatments.

The use of creative engineering solutions in imaging could transform the management of neurological diseases with complex or subtle pathology, expand the use of minimally invasive treatment options, and bring us one step closer to unraveling the mystery of the human brain.

We perform research to push the performance of all neuroimaging modalities including functional MRI, diffusion MRI to study brain connectivity and perform tractography, spinal cord imaging, and MR spectroscopic imaging for the study of metabolism.

Brain imaging research is overseen by the Advanced Neuroimaging Research Program (ANRP), led by Dr. Priti Balchandani, Associate Professor of Radiology and Neuroscience. ANRP focuses on developing novel imaging technologies to diagnose and treat, a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy, brain tumors, psychiatric illnesses, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.

Neuroimaging Lab:
• Balchandani Lab