NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Grants

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Project Summary The 2026 Atomically Precise Nanochemistry Gordon Research Conference (GRC) will bridge the fundamental chemistry and emerging applications of nanomaterials whose structures and properties are tailored to atomic precision. This meeting’s goal is to catalyze the translation of fundamental science into technological advancements by bringing leaders in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization together with pioneers in biomedical, quantum, and catalysis applications. A major objective of this meeting is to support the rapidly accelerating field of engineering metallic nanoclusters with properties such as bright fluorescence and controlled biofunctionalization to address major biomedical challenges, e.g. deep tissue imaging in the NIR-I and NIR-II tissue transparency windows, new cryoelectron microscopy modalities to better understand structure and function of cells and biological tissues, and quantitative biomedical sensing and theranostics. To meet this objective, we have designed the GRC with a distinct focus on biomedicine, with 9 invited speakers working in the area of nanoclusters for emerging biomedical technologies, as well as two sessions on emerging biomedical technologies enabled by these promising nanomaterials: “Clusters for Biomaging and Therapeutics” and “Nanocluster-Biomolecule Interfaces”. We believe this format will be highly significant for supporting the growing biomedically focused efforts in this field through active discussions, presentations, and idea-sharing, thereby ensuring the success of these new efforts to harness atomically precise nanochemistry to develop new biomedical tools and technologies. A second major objective of this meeting is to support career development, particularly of early-career and trainee researchers. GRCs include at most 200 participants including student and postdoc trainees, early career researchers, and senior faculty and other researchers. The conference’s small size is designed to enhance interactions, seed collaborations, and support training and career development of more junior participants, thereby ensuring workforce development. Moreover, this GRC has an associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), a unique forum for young grad student and postdoc researchers to present their work, discuss ideas and pre-published data, and build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators facilitate active participation in scientific discussion. GRS participants are highly encouraged to attend the GRC on Atomically Precise Nanochemistry that takes place immediately after the GRS, and nearly all students attend both the GRC and GRS. Therefore, the GRS is essential to the educational mission of this conference, including developing the future leaders in the field of atomically precise nanomaterials for biomedical science and technologies.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

During recent years, neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), as well as alternative methods using optical and ultrasonic modulations, have become an important means to study how complex neural circuits interact in the brain, to manipulate human cognition and to treat brain disorders. MRI can now be performed either concurrently with or pre and post these neuromodulation techniques to visualize their effects on the human brain, to understand the neurophysiological mechanism and to improve their efficacy. This topic aligns with the goals of the NIH BRAIN Initiative and public interest in brain-computer interfaces. The proposed endorsed ISMRM workshop will be the second of its kind on this relevant topic, after the celebration of the very successful one in October 2022 at the NIH, also supported by the NIH R13 mechanism. The workshop will be organized partially by the governing committee of the ISMRM Study Group (SG: MRI of Neuromodulation) as part of their goals and activities of the study group. The goal is to bring together a wide variety of scientists and clinicians as well as industry partners who are interested in developing and applying advanced MRI techniques to visualize, understand and quantify neuromodulation effects on the human brain. The proposed 2.5 days’ workshop will take place in April 2026 (from 7th-9th), at the Vienna University, in the heart of Vienna, Austria. The program will be designed for both senior investigators and junior scientists. The organizing committee will also emphasize attendance by students and trainee members of ISMRM and engage the international research community and will work with industry partners to secure funding to provide travel support for trainees. The meeting will include invited talks, discussions and sessions for power-pitch poster presentations followed by an hour of digital poster sessions for more in-depth discussions. The workshop’s schedule will integrate presentations with ample discussion periods covering advances in various MRI techniques for neuromodulation (electromagnetic field mapping, functional connectivity, advancement in hardware, arterial spin labeled perfusion and permeability, temperature and acoustic radiation force imaging etc), pre-clinical animal models and cellular-level mechanisms of neuromodulation, and safety issues related to MRI with neuromodulation devices. Existing and emerging clinical applications for MRI in neuromodulation and biomarker development will be discussed between academic and industry partners. A consensus paper will be drafted to summarize the discussions.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Project Summary/Abstract The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Image Science 2026, themed "Advanced Technologies and Computational Methods in Imaging Across Scales and Modalities," aims to convene leading imaging scientists from diverse fields such as remote sensing, astronomy, defense, homeland security, and biomedical and medical imaging. The primary objective is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in imaging technologies. The conference will achieve its goals through a series of structured sessions, each focusing on cutting-edge topics such as super-resolution imaging, quantum imaging, live high-speed biomedical and medical imaging, adaptive optics in turbid media, artificial intelligence and image science, image quality and task-based assessments, and imaging in emerging consumer displays. These sessions will facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote discussions on the latest advancements and challenges in image science. To encourage the participation of junior scientists, the conference will offer scholarships to students, postdocs, and young professionals. This support will enable them to present their research and engage with senior researchers, fostering mentorship and collaboration opportunities. The conference will also feature poster sessions, providing a platform for young investigators to showcase their work and receive feedback from established scientists. The GRC on Image Science 2026 will be held at Tuscany Il Ciocco, Lucca (Barga), Italy, from April 26 to May 1, 2026. The event will include keynote speeches, invited talks, and discussion sessions led by prominent experts in the field. The collegial atmosphere and single-track format of the conference will ensure that all participants can fully engage in discussions and networking activities. By bringing together imaging scientists from various disciplines, the conference will stimulate the application of image-science principles, facilitating significant advances in the design and objective assessment of imaging systems. The ultimate goal is to enhance the research potential of young scientists and promote the development of innovative imaging technologies that can address complex challenges in healthcare, defense, and other critical areas.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Project Summary Sensors designed for analytical performance and usability have the potential to turn the tide of pandemics, enable earlier intervention in chronic and infectious diseases, and provide insight into biological processes. Because of the prominent roles sensors and diagnostics play in our current lives and their potential for massive future growth, establishing an interconnected global community of experts to discuss outstanding challenges and the possible approaches for solving them is a key need with clear

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY Mechanochemistry and mechanobiology examine how mechanical forces program chemical reactivity and biological function across molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. In mechanobiology, mechanical structure- function relationships govern sensing, signaling, maintenance, and repair and are implicated in conditions affecting cancer, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Mechanochemistry focuses on how synthetic molecules and polymers respond to force, enabling the bottom-up design of materials with tunable mechanical properties, self-reporting and self-healing capabilities, and sensor or actuator functions. At their interface, these fields aim to integrate smart synthetic materials with living systems, advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue regeneration – goals that align closely with NIBIB’s focus on bioengineering and quantitative imaging. The GRC on Multiscale Mechanochemistry & Mechanobiology and its associated GRS aim to advance the fundamental understanding and application of force-driven chemistry and mechanobiological signaling pathways across multiple hierarchical length scales, from molecules to tissues. The objectives of this interdisciplinary meeting are to (i) elucidate mechanochemical reaction pathways and force-coupled kinetics; (ii) define biomolecular force-transduction and downstream signaling; (iii) develop mechanoresponsive, self- reporting, and self-healing materials with tunable properties; (iv) refine quantitative measurements and imaging of forces in living systems; and (v) accelerate the translation of innovative methodologies into mechanodiagnostics, mechanotherapeutics, and tissue regeneration. These objectives will be achieved by bringing together researchers from various backgrounds, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering, effectively fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. The program centers on invited plenary sessions that integrate contributions from early-career researchers selected for their scientific merit, methodological rigor, and program fit. Importantly, the GRC/GRS will provide a platform for presenting unpublished data across a wide range of emerging topics and will promote extended discussions focused on the frontiers of the field. This will be complemented by a trainee-led GRS, interactive poster sessions, and focused panels on measurement standards, reproducibility, and paths to biomedical impact. The meeting prioritizes early-career participation through structured speaking opportunities and mentoring. Expected outcomes include a shared agenda of critical questions, dissemination of session themes through meeting channels, and new collaborations that advance rigorous, quantitative approaches to mechanochemistry and mechanobiology.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs), subtitled “Linking Sequence to Disordered Protein Function” will be held June 21 - June 26, 2026, in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. The central aim of the conference is to share emerging, groundbreaking findings that relate primary sequences of IDPs to their biological function and material properties. Our vision for this meeting is to bring together scientists from a wide range of disciplines to answer questions on how primary IDP sequence encodes function. Function here is broadly defined: It includes protein-protein interactions, specific and non-specific binding, molecular sensing, and self-assembly; It also includes the emergence of novel IDP-based materials including condensates and ordered aggregates, as well as IDPs that act as sensors and actuators of the cellular environment. Historically in the IDP field, fundamental questions were best answered using multidisciplinary approaches. As such, the GRC will bring together biophysicists, polymer physicists, biochemists, cell biologists, and computational scientists who work broadly on IDPs and their self-assembled states. Scientific sessions will focus on the link between IDP sequence and function at the monomer level, in the condensate or aggregate level, and in germline and somatic mutations with a focus on transcriptional function and aging-related phenomenon. Sessions will also focus on cutting edge, experimental and computational high-throughput methods germane to IDP research. The accompanying Gordon Research Seminar, run by and for trainees on the two days prior to the conference, will help newcomers assimilate into the IDP field and come together as a cohort. Through these, the 2026 GRC on IDPs will showcase cutting edge research and methodologies, introduce new research direction to the community, and help newcomers to the IDP field integrate with its existing members.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY Ultrasound is a ubiquitous clinical imaging modality, which is supported by a dynamic and scholarly research community. There is currently no conference or professional meeting dedicated specifically to basic science ultrasound research with the goal towards improving diagnostic ultrasound. The goal of the proposed Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is to provide an intimate forum for scientific exchange among scientists and researchers whose primary area of research is the development of novel diagnostic ultrasound techniques and approaches. While diagnostic ultrasound has been around for multiple decades, the amount of innovation in recent years has been immense due to technological breakthroughs in the computational domain as well as miniaturization. Ultrasound has evolved in recent years with the advent of ultrafast imaging, super resolution imaging, photoacoustic imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging, molecular imaging, novel contrast imaging, shear wave imaging, whole body imaging with tomography and quantitative ultrasound techniques. These innovations are indicative of a vibrant and active research community. Therefore, it is vital that this community provide an avenue that allows deeper discussion about the future and direction of in vivo ultrasound imaging and provides engagement of researchers spanning from senior to new and young investigators. Therefore, this third Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on In Vivo Ultrasound Imaging has the goal of continuing an avenue for engaging the basic science, ultrasound research community. The inaugural conference in 2022 and the second meeting in 2024 were both a great success and are anticipated to result in an increased recognition of this event. It is still the intent to continue as a biennial meeting to bring research professionals in the area of ultrasound imaging together to address the latest trends and needs in diagnostic ultrasound. The main goals of the GRC are: 1. to provide an avenue to discuss the latest ground-breaking technologies in diagnostic ultrasound; 2. to stimulate cross-pollination and validation of different approaches for ultrasound imaging; 3. to identify what the needs are for the continuing development of novel ultrasound imaging technologies and where new methods and approaches can be implemented; 4. to promote the work of new and young investigators. The scientific topics of this coming GRC conference are focused on ultrasonic imaging and highlight the latest advancements in diagnostic ultrasound, including ultrasound applications in therapy.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Project Summary The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex biopolymer network that defines the structure and mechanics of solid tissue and can profoundly regulate cell function in development, physiology, and disease. As a result, there has been an enormous effort to create engineered systems and biomaterials that mimic tissue properties and model cell-ECM crosstalk to increase our knowledge of basic biological processes and stimulate therapeutic discovery. To promote continued discovery and translation in this exciting field while nurturing the next generation of talent, we seek support for the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Signal Transduction by Engineered Extracellular Matrices (STEEM). The STEEM GRC/GRS is widely viewed as the premier venue for sharing and discussing cutting-edge developments in ECM science and engineering. Over the past quarter-century, STEEM has played a leadership role in bringing together biologists, engineers, materials and physical scientists, and related disciplinary experts into a common forum. STEEM has played a key role in incubating interdisciplinary topics such as mechanobiology, biofabrication, engineered regeneration, and organoid technologies. In the 2026 meeting, we will build on these advances and explore several questions that will define the next decade of work in the field under the theme Matrix Matters and Designing Tissues Through Biological and Computational Insight. The GRC aims to: (1) Create a forum in which information and ideas are freely exchanged between researchers of varied but complementary backgrounds to enhance the potential of regenerative medicine, scaffold and cell-based therapies to improve human health; (2) Support early career investigators by exposing them to new and exciting ideas and opportunities in an environment that encourages collegial interactions; and (3) Bring together scientists across all experience levels, from trainees to senior scientists, across adjacent fields of expertise, and from a range of professional settings including academic labs to national labs, to small and large biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, to foster meaningful knowledge exchange and collaborations. The GRS aims to: (1) Provide early career investigators, especially graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, the opportunity to present their research in a forum organized by and for them; (2) Encourage lasting collegial interactions and initiation of collaborations between young investigators from adjacent fields; and (3) Provide a unique opportunity for these up and coming scientists in the field to receive career guidance from selected faculty mentors invited to the GRS.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY Magnetic Resonance (MR) continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advances in hardware, computation, and applications. Emerging technologies, including ultra-high and low-field imaging, AI-driven reconstruction, and open science, are reshaping both research and clinical practice. As global healthcare systems face increasing demands, the need for efficient, impactful imaging solutions is more urgent than ever. To address the pressing need to explore and respond to these changes, we propose a high-impact conference designed for deep, focused discussion across the full spectrum of in vivo MR. While large meetings like the annual meeting of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) offer breadth, their scale and fast-paced limit opportunities for in-depth exchange and do not allow the crucial focus. In contrast, the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) format fosters immersive engagement, with extended talks, dedicated discussion time, and informal networking ideally suited to detailed progress evaluation. Therefore, the goal of this grant application is to support the proven GRC formula tailored to assess developments in in vivo MR. The 2026 In Vivo Magnetic Resonance GRC will be held July 12–17 at Proctor Academy, Andover, NH, preceded by a trainee-led Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on July 11–12. The GRS provides a dedicated forum for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to present research, receive mentorship, and build professional networks. The 2026 GRC theme, Advancing Beyond Limits – Temporal, Functional, Quantitative, and Translational, reflects a forward-looking agenda aimed at shaping the next era of MR research and clinical impact. Sessions will explore next-generation contrast agents, novel encoding and hardware, open science, functional imaging beyond the brain, stimulation methods, deep learning, resolution enhancement, electromagnetic tissue mapping, and spectroscopic techniques. The Chair, Karin Shmueli PhD, and Vice Chair, Ravi Menon PhD have extensive experience in MR and meeting organization and will work together with GRS chairs Yuran Zhu and Olivia Jo Dickinson to enhance the experience of trainees through mentorship, networking, and scientific exchange. As our goal is to prepare trainees for MR research in a rapidly evolving landscape, we request funding to support trainee participation in both the 2026 GRC and GRS. These meetings offer unparalleled opportunities for early-career scientists to engage with leaders in the field, gain exposure to cutting-edge research, and contribute to shaping the future of MR. Specific aims: 1. Brainstorm transformative directions in in vivo MR across hardware, computation, and applications. 2. Foster interdisciplinary connections across MR programs and disciplines. 3. Support and mentor trainee scientists to lead the next generation of MR innovation.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

SUMMARY We propose a three-day workshop, “Open-source Low-field MRI: Learn, Build, Scan,” to train biomedical imaging scientists through hands-on construction, scanning, and AI-based image reconstruction using low-cost, open- source MRI systems. Building on the successful “DELTA DIY MRI” at Johns Hopkins, it supports NIBIB’s leadership in biomedical imaging and NINDS’s neurotechnology workforce goals. The workshop’s three phases—Learn, Design & Build, and Scan—combine lectures, hardware prototyping, and real-time scanning with modular MRI setups. Daily milestones include RF Spin Echo and 1D projection (Day 1), 2D Turbo Spin Echo with deep learning super-resolution (Day 2), and 3D imaging with EMI mitigation (Day 3). Mentors with publication records will teach subsystems from magnets to phantoms. Luminary speakers will provide historical context and updates, fostering an engaging environment. Introductory sessions in GitHub and 3D printing will help participants of varied experience levels. Participants will use and contribute to open tools like PyPulseq, Virtual Scanner, and MRI4All, promoting reproducibility. The workshop plans to host 50 participants, with early registration, accessible venues, safety protocols, and NIH-compliant conduct policies. Attendees will gain access to detailed schematics, code, hardware docs, and recordings. The program expands access to MRI by enabling resource-sharing and providing post-workshop materials. Post-event support includes a resource hub, virtual mentoring, and remote scanner access. Promotion efforts include social media, society postings, and networks, with dissemination via project kits, walkthroughs, and tutorials. Scientific outputs include shared builds, software, and data reuse. Strategic backup plans address disruptions. Organizers—with experience and contributions to open-source MRI tools like PyPulseq—lead this initiative. The workshop aligns with PA-25-080 goals: technology dissemination, training, and research strengthening. It supports NIBIB’s imaging, workforce, and AI priorities, and NINDS’s neuroimaging goals. Deep learning super-resolution and phantom validation advance imaging rigor. Contextual understanding enhances critical thinking. Participants are encouraged to share knowledge, expanding capacity. Modular design allows replication in underserved regions. This scalable model aims to democratize MRI science and foster sustainable community growth, empowering technically fluent scientists to lead the future.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY The 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Optics and Photonics in Medicine and Biology (OPMB) continues the nearly six-decade tradition of inspiring and educating current and future generations of interdisciplinary scientists, engineers, and clinicians. This conference, which began in 1965, has consistently received among the highest satisfaction ratings of all GRC meetings and is widely regarded as of of the premiere forums for fostering creative research and generating new ideas in biophotonics – the science and engineering of light, lasers, and optical technologies applied to medicine and biology. The primary objective of the 2026 meeting is to bring together researchers from academia, clinical institutions, national laboratories, and industry to advance the use of light, lasers, and optical technologies in both fundamental biological discovery and clinical care. The 2026 theme, “From Enabling Technologies to Clinical Applications: Advancing Science and Medicine with Light”, captures the breadth of this bench-to-bedside continuum. Specific aims are to: (1) foster scientific exchange among researchers at the cutting edge of biophotonics; (2) integrate fundamental discovery, technological innovation, and applications ranging from basic biology and biophysics to clinical translation; and (3) strengthen and renew the international biophotonics community by promoting personal interactions between junior and senior participants—including graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, early-career investigators, senior scientists, laboratory heads, industry representatives and government program leaders—in an informal, engaging environment. The program will ensure broad representation across disciplines, geography, career stages, and demographics. All speakers will be encouraged to present new, unpublished, and scientifically significant (and occasionally provocative) research in the “frontiers-of-science, off the record” GRC tradition. The intimate scale and immersive format provide unparallelled opportunities for networking and scientific discussion. To enhance trainee engagement, the meeting will be preceded by the successful Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on OPMB—a 1.5 day forum organized by and for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (initiated in 2018). The conference aligns strongly with the NIH mission to advance knowledge in living systems, reduce disease, and improve health. This R13 proposal seeks support to offset registration and travel costs for graduate students, post-docs, and early-career investigators, thereby encouraging the participation and active engagement of the next generation of leaders in biophtotonics.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

The International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Interventions (MICCAI) is the major international conference in medical image computing, image-guided interventions and robotics. It promotes, preserves, and facilitates research and education, and its proceedings foster the exchange and dissemination of advanced knowledge by leading institutions, scientists and physicians. The conference is the result of the joint efforts of previous major conferences in three fields: Visualization in Biomedical Computing (VBC), Computer Vision and Virtual Reality in Robotics and Medicine (CVRMed), and Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery (MRCAS). Since its first edition in 1998, it has become the premier conference in the field with its proceedings having citation scores comparable to high-impact journals. Conference topics include, computer vision & image processing in medicine, computer-aided diagnosis, computer-assisted interventions, guidance systems & robotics, visualization and virtual reality, biomedical imaging applications, and imaging systems, spanning disciplines such as radiology, pathology, surgery, oncology, cardiology, physiology, and psychiatry. MICCAI includes three days of oral presentations, poster sessions and invited keynote talks. All paper submissions undergo a rigorous double-blinded peer-review (~30% acceptance) and several papers have become landmark publications with thousands of citations. Satellite events and educational initiatives with similar attendance rates to the main conference also take place on the day before and after the conference in the form of workshops, tutorials and challenges. MICCAI span the entire globe and rotates every year between three geographical zones: the Americas, Europe/Africa/Middle East, and Asia/Oceania. Attendees from dozens of countries typically have a strong student representation (40-50% in the last editions). This proposal requests to support the attendance of US-based students and early career investigators through travel awards to support their education, training and networking opportunities. The supported trainees will be able to attend the conference to learn from the latest advances in the field, participate in the MICCAI Mentorship Program to enhance their career development, benefit from networking opportunities and participate in educational events and sessions including tutorials, workshops and challenges.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Abstract. Nanomedicine research has shown remarkable progress in recent years in the detection and therapy of a range of human diseases, including cancer, and inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, a better understanding of how nanomedicine interacts with biological and immunological barriers is still needed to further improve the efficacy of nanomedicine and facilitate its clinical translation. To discuss these challenges and opportunities, we propose organizing a conference-workshop, “Mechanisms and Barriers in Nanomedicine,” that will bring together expert nanomedicine scientists and trainees. The conference will be modeled after our previous conferences in 2016 and 2023 and provide an informal venue for open discussion on barriers in nanomedicine. The third iteration of this meeting will focus on protein-material interactions and their implications on how nanomedicines interact with biological barriers. The meeting will also work towards paradigm-shifting approaches for leveraging protein-material interactions to overcome biological barriers. The main innovation of the conference-workshop is the provision of an open forum for discussing problems in nanomedicine and the focus on its biological and translational aspects. The program will be focused on the following aspects: a) Formation, composition, and applications of protein corona, b) Impact of protein corona on the interactions of nanomaterials with biological barriers, c) emerging technologies to study protein corona, d) leveraging endogenous proteins for improved drug delivery, and e) challenges to translation of nanomedicine. Leading experts will discuss the roles of the protein corona, immune and endothelial cells, and the tumor microenvironment in the functionality of nanomedicines. We aim to achieve the following goals: a) to provide an educational, yet critical, forum into impact of nano-bio interactions, with focus on proteins, on the efficacy of nanomedicines; b) to present an update of the field on understanding these challenges and potential paradigm shift strategies to mitigating these problems; c) by conducting open, unrestricted, non-proprietary discussion among senior faculty, young investigators and graduate students, we hope to trigger new ideas and concepts that will move the field forward. Overall, this meeting will be a place where young scientists and students can learn from experienced scientists in an inclusive and informal environment. The R13 grant will be used to help with conference attendance for students and postdocs.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY We propose to hold the 2026 Joint Workshop on MR Phase, Magnetic Susceptibility and Electrical Properties (EMTP Workshop) on September 20–23, 2026, in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. The purpose of this meeting is to convene researchers, clinicians, trainees, and industry partners working on MRI techniques that measure key electromagnetic tissue properties, including Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM), Electrical Properties Tomography (EPT), and related methods. Participants will review recent progress and identify unmet needs for future development, with a particular focus on facilitating broader clinical adoption. Tissue electromagnetic properties—magnetic susceptibility measured by QSM and electrical conductivity and permittivity measured by EPT—provide unique information about tissue composition and microstructure. These measurements offer quantitative imaging biomarkers for iron and myelin content, water content, ion concentration, and cellular architecture. Such biomarkers have shown diagnostic and prognostic potential across multiple neurological and systemic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and tumors. Building on previous EMTP workshops and recent community efforts to strengthen reproducibility, standardization, and data sharing—including consensus papers and guidelines for QSM and EPT—there is a pressing need to further solidify research and development efforts that support their clinical translation. Structured dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and industry partners is essential for identifying unmet needs and driving coordinated solutions. The workshop has the following three aims: (1) Bring together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to highlight advances, identify key questions, knowledge gaps, and obstacles to the wider clinical adoption of QSM and EPT; (2) Foster a multi-center collaborative workforce to advance standardization, harmonization, data sharing, and benchmarking essential for quantitative imaging biomarkers; (3) Educate trainees and early-career investigators, as well as researchers from different backgrounds on the fundamentals and state-of-the-art developments in QSM and EPT. The organizing and steering committees consist of leading experts in MR phase, QSM, and EPT, including MR physicists and engineers, applied mathematicians, biologists, and clinicians, with representations of both junior and senior investigators. Scientific presentations will be combined with dedicated panel and roundtable discussions to enable in-depth exchange of ideas, cross-disciplinary brainstorming, and active engagement across the study group. Multiple networking opportunities will also be incorporated. Information about disability access, childcare and other family care facilities will be made available to the attendees. The 2026 EMTP Workshop will be a timely event to facilitate education, integrate ongoing community initiatives, catalyze new collaborations, and accelerate scientific progress and clinical translation of QSM, EPT.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

ABSTRACT This application requests R13 conference support from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) to support trainee engagement in the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) X-Nuclei Workshop 2026, “Beyond Protons: Challenges & Advances in X-Nuclei MR.” NIBIB R13 conference support would substantially lower the registration fee for trainees to encourage attendance, which is essential to sustaining this field of imaging science. The ISMRM X-Nuclei Study Group is organizing this workshop to advance research in MR spectroscopy and imaging methods beyond protons. X-Nuclei MRS/MRI detects nuclei other than 1H, including sodium 23Na, phosphorus 31P, deuterium 2H, fluorine ¹⁹F, oxygen ¹⁷O, carbon 13C, potassium ³⁹K, and lithium ⁷Li. Unlike traditional MRI, which images abundant protons in water, X-nuclei have lower natural abundance and weaker resonance signals. Despite these challenges, X-nuclei imaging offers unique opportunities for noninvasive molecular imaging with higher specificity to biological processes relevant to cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological conditions, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Technology development for X-nuclei MRS/MRI is an active area of imaging science, spanning technologies for acquisition, reconstruction, analysis, and application. The workshop will provide a forum for education, scientific exchange, and collaboration among imaging scientists. The event will be widely advertised through the ISMRM community to maximize participation and impact. Abstract submissions will be peer-reviewed, with high-quality work invited for oral or poster presentations. The workshop is designed to provide trainees with unparalleled exposure to leaders in the field, opportunities to present their research, and structured networking that cannot be replicated in virtual formats. Networking opportunities will foster discussion and collaboration across academia, industry, and non-profit sectors.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are a significant public health and economic problem, and white matter of the CNS is implicated in nearly all human neurological diseases/injuries. The overall aim of the White Matter and Beyond workshop is to bring together leading experts, emerging investigators, and innovators in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the next frontiers of research in white matter. This meeting will foster interdisciplinary exchange on the latest advances in MRI technologies, biophysical modeling, and analytics of white matter, while expanding our focus to also encompass the related microstructural, inflammatory, and metabolic processes that define brain and spinal cord health. It is essential for researchers to come together to share knowledge and map the next phase of research and translation to improve outcomes from white matter diseases and injury. The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) workshop on White Matter and Beyond, will be held in Marseille, France, October 14-16, 2026. The ISMRM is a US-based scientific association whose purpose is to promote communication, research, development, and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology. Its multidisciplinary membership consists of over 8,000 clinicians, physicists, engineers, biochemists, and technologists. This in-person workshop offers the opportunity for discussions, networking, and interaction between trainees and established researchers. The scientific program spans multi-disciplinary aspects of white matter MRI from technical method development to fundamental physical insights to applications to human diseases and injury to white matter. Each session is anchored with a physicist/engineer to provide an overview of state-of-the-art methods, highlighting promising avenues and interesting clinical applications. It will appeal to neurologists, radiologists, physicists, engineers, and regulatory experts with interests in quantitative, biophysical, and reproducible MRI. Poster presentations are an integral part of the program and will be advertised in power pitch presentations. The workshop is being organized by an international team of investigators with administrative assistance from the ISMRM and facilitated by a local organizing team. This proposal requests funds to exclusively support students and postdoctoral trainees and will be used to cover conference registration costs and partial travel support. Speakers will be chosen based on scoring of submitted abstracts by the organizing team. This support will provide a unique opportunity for trainees and junior researchers to reach an international audience, enhancing their career development and collaborations.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The requested instrument is a high-definition 3D printer, specially designed for fabrication of microfluidic devices. The specific product is the ProFluidics 285D system by CADworks3D (Concord, Ontario, Canada). The instrument is needed to enable rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, intended for biomedical research and hands-on education at San Jose State University (SJSU). This instrument will provide an overall benefit to SJSU's research and education by virtue of its speed, cost effectiveness, versatility with complex geometries, and biocompatible materials. The broad, long-term objectives of the PI and fellow Major Users are (1) to interrogate microscale biological phenomena under physiologically-relevant flow conditions; (2) to innovate engineering solutions that address the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and cure of human diseases; and (2) to educate, train, and motivate students in hands-on microscale engineering. Access to this instrument will stimulate biomedical research by enabling several investigators at SJSU (spearheaded by initially 6 investigators as Majors Users) to conduct experimental studies across important areas of biofluid mechanics and biotransport phenomena. The topics of research conducted by the Major Users include hemodynamics, endothelial mechanobiology, mitochondrial mechanotransduction, cell sorting, tissue scaffolding, breastfeeding, swallowing mechanics, and neurotoxin detection. These investigators and their intramural and extramural collaborators also conduct research in complementary areas (e.g., thrombosis, biorobotics, wearable health monitoring, generative design with artificial intelligence) that can also benefit from the micron-scale rapid prototyping capabilities of the ProFluidics 285D system. Access to this instrument will support education at our institution most specifically by serving two hands-on laboratory courses as Major Users: an undergraduate elective course in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidics, and a graduate course on experimental methods in biomedical engineering. In the microfluidics class, the requested 3D printer will be used predominantly for the open-ended class term project, in which students collaborate in small teams to propose, design, prototype, and demonstrate a functional microfluidic device. The graduate class in experimental methods also has an open-ended group project, for which microfabrication and process troubleshooting have demanded a large fraction of time. The speed and robustness of fabricating functional devices with the requested 3D printer will allow students to direct more attention to experimental design (with more variables that can be otherwise considered), data acquisition, and application of statistical analysis to real-time data. The instrument will also be made available for master's thesis projects, undergraduate senior design projects, and SJSU-hosted community college programs.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Project Summary/Abstract Computation and high-performance computing are essential to advancing biomedical research and healthcare applications, driving progress in areas such as wearable health technology, medical image analysis, and health informatics. These fields require substantial computational power to process and analyze large datasets from diverse sources, including sensor data, medical images, and electronic health records (EHR). The ability to utilize GPU acceleration for deep learning model development and real-time data processing is critical for addressing the growing complexity of data-driven healthcare applications. As such, the proposal is to acquire a dedicated GPU server to support biomedical research and educational efforts across two UNT colleges: the College of Engineering and the College of Information Science. The proposed Dell PowerEdge XE9680 Rack Server, equipped with 8 NVIDIA HGX H100 80GB SXM5 GPUs, will provide the necessary computational resources to enable cutting-edge biomedical research and enhance student education in health technologies. This GPU cluster will support research projects focused on AI-driven health monitoring systems, including wearable devices for diabetes management and hydration monitoring, as well as applications in medical image processing and natural language processing for health informatics. The server will be used in various graduate-level courses in both colleges, including those focused on medical image acquisition, processing, and AI applications in clinical settings. The GPU cluster will facilitate the development and deployment of complex machine learning models, including vision transformers (ViTs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and transformer-based models, for tasks such as disease detection, image classification, and biomedical data analysis. The requested GPU infrastructure is crucial for enabling high-performance computing in biomedical and health informatics research. It will enable students and researchers to process large datasets in real-time, accelerate the training of deep learning models, and support the integration of multimodal data streams from medical images and sensor data for comprehensive health monitoring solutions. The server will also enhance the hands-on learning experience for students by providing access to cutting-edge computational tools used in AI-driven healthcare systems. This will better prepare students for careers in health technology, research, and digital medicine. Given the loss of access to Talon 3.0, the proposed GPU server will fill the gap in computational resources, ensuring that UNT’s research teams and students have access to the necessary infrastructure to support innovative research and training in health technology and biomedical applications. The availability of this powerful system will continue to drive advancements in biomedical sciences, contributing to breakthroughs in areas such as skin cancer detection, kidney tissue analysis, and clinical decision support systems. The integration of this GPU-powered infrastructure will position UNT as a leader in AI and health informatics, providing critical support for interdisciplinary research and educational programs across the College of Engineering and the College of Information Science.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

ABSTRACT Molecular imaging (MI) is a multidisciplinary field that enables the noninvasive visualization and quantification of biological processes in living systems, providing powerful tools for early disease diagnosis, guidance of therapeutic interventions, and the elucidation of disease mechanisms. Molecular imaging (MI) technologies are transforming biomedical research and accelerating discovery in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, cardiology, infection, and regenerative medicine. The World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS) is committed to advancing molecular imaging and supporting the scientific community by driving its innovation and impact. The annual World Molecular Imaging Congress (WMIC) is the Society’s principal international forum for presenting the latest breakthroughs in MI, fostering collaboration among scientists and physicians from academia, industry, and government and providing training to the next generation of imaging scientists. WMIS places special emphasis on providing educational, mentoring and networking opportunities to early-career scientists, recognizing that effective training and professional support are crucial at this critical stage. By fostering the skills, visibility, and professional networks essential for success in an increasingly competitive scientific environment, WMIS ensures a strong pipeline of future leaders who will advance the field of molecular imaging. WMIC 2026 will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 8–11, 2026 and feature plenary lectures, symposia, oral and poster sessions, and four full-day Immersion Sessions focused on Spatial Biology, AI in Imaging and Therapy Discovery, Imaging of Therapeutic Response, and New Alternative Methods (NAMs) aligned with current NIH priorities. The long-term objective of this application is to provide sustained support for early-career scientists. This will be achieved through two Specific Aims: (1) offering opportunities for active participation in the meeting program as speakers, moderators, and discussion leaders; and (2) delivering educational and career-development activities through expert-led sessions, skill-building workshops, and targeted mentoring programs. Given the current limitations in available funding for early-career scientists, the meeting requires additional financial support to provide travel assistance for graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, ensuring they can present their work, engage with the community, and benefit from essential educational and career-development opportunities. Therefore, the overarching goal of the WMIC 2026 R13 application is to advance molecular imaging science while providing critical travel support for graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to attend the annual meeting. We expect that the travel award will significantly strengthen early-stage investigators’ career trajectories by enabling them to disseminate their research, engage directly with field leaders, and cultivate the professional relationships necessary for future success.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Project Summary The objective of this project is to develop an advanced microwave (MW) imaging system for early detection of breast cancer (BC). MW, a form of non-ionizing radiation, has the potential to serve as an effective imaging/screening tool for various diseases, including BC. In MW breast imaging (MBI), the dielectric properties of cancerous breast tissue differ significantly (0.1~10 times larger) from those of the healthy breast tissues at MW frequencies. This forms the foundation of MBI for high-contrast breast image. Next, the nonionizing-radiation dose associated with a regular MBI examination is equivalent to or less than that of a wireless phone call, making it safer than ionizing approaches. As a result, MBI has the potential to replace X-ray, the current primary method for BC screening, and serve as a routine screening tool. This project aims to address two key challenges present in existing MW breast imaging, bridging the gap between laboratory prototypes and a market-ready product. Existing MBI prototypes in laboratories employ multiple antennas positioned around the breast to form a synthetic aperture array, collecting response signals from tumors. However, the limited workspace allows for only a few antennas (usually 10~20), resulting in a restricted number of signals available for image reconstruction. To overcome this limitation and effectively address the ill-posed inverse problem, a larger image with more pixels necessitates an increased amount of measurement data. Furthermore, the operation frequency of MBI is typically limited to a few Gigahertz, restricting the spatial resolution to the centimeter level, even when utilizing the best image reconstruction algorithm available. This level of resolution is insufficient for identifying small tumors near breast glands. These two shortcomings have been the primary reasons that have delayed the realization of a practical MBI product for clinic use. To address these challenges, this project aims to develop an enhanced MBI device featuring a dynamic antenna system and an AI image-formation model. The system will comprise only two antennas, one functioning as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. Both antennas have independent rotation capabilities around the breast, allowing signal collection from any desired azimuthal positions. This setup creates a virtual synthetic aperture array equivalent to multiple real antennas but provides a greater number of signals for image reconstruction. Additionally, recent studies have demonstrated that machine learning (ML) technologies can enhance the spatial resolution of near-field MW imaging. By leveraging our previous experience in ML-based MW imaging, we will incorporate ML technology into MBI in this project and compare it with conventional algorithms. The proposed ML algorithm will adopt an unsupervised approach, eliminating the need of patient information or high-quality phantom images as ground truth. By addressing these two critical issues in MBI, a practical MBI product capable of performing BC screening in clinics can be produced, thereby effectively serving women patients very soon.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT ABSTRACT/SUMMARY Over two million Americans have a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) to manage arrhythmias, often secondary to cardiomyopathies, and prevent sudden cardiac death. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for non-invasive detection of myocardial tissue abnormalities—including inflammation, edema, and fibrosis—using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging and quantitative T1, T2, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) mapping. However, MRI remains widely underutilized in patients with CIEDs, as metallic components in these devices distort the magnetic field and create off-resonance artifacts that severely degrade image quality. Although 16% of patients with CIEDs will develop a clinical indication for cardiac MRI at some point, they are 40% less likely to undergo an MRI exam than non-CIED patients, leaving clinicians to rely on alternative modalities that lack detailed tissue characterization capabilities. This project aims to address this unmet need by developing MRI technology for robust myocardial tissue characterization specifically tailored for CIED patients, providing quantitative tissue property maps (T1, T2, proton density, and ECV) and multi-contrast LGE images from a single imaging platform. Our solution is based on Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF), an innovative framework that measures temporal changes in magnetization (“fingerprints”) to achieve rapid multiparametric mapping. We propose a novel cardiac MRF technique that is separately optimized for conventional 1.5T scanners, given that most CIED patients are currently imaged at this field strength, as well as emerging low-field 0.55T scanners, which offer inherent advantages for imaging near metallic implants, such as reduced off-resonance artifacts. In Aim 1, we will develop the proposed technique in parallel for 1.5T and 0.55T by integrating robust data collection strategies, such as center-out radial sampling and wideband excitation pulses, with a physics-informed deep learning reconstruction that further suppresses off-resonance artifacts and residual motion. We will evaluate accuracy, precision, and repeatability in phantoms and healthy subjects with an externally positioned CIED scanned at both field strengths compared to conventional cardiac mapping methods. In Aim 2, we will assess MRF for native and post-contrast mapping in cardiomyopathy patients with CIEDs at 0.55T and 1.5T and validate methods for detecting myocardial fibrosis, given its prognostic importance in many conditions. To this end, we will generate synthetic multi-contrast (bright- and dark-blood) LGE images from post-contrast MRF maps, which we expect to simplify the exam and enhance detection of fibrosis compared to conventional bright-blood wideband LGE scans. Furthermore, we will develop a clustering algorithm that directly analyzes tissue property maps to identify fibrosis, serving as a semi-automated and operator- independent alternative to LGE. This project has the potential to have a significant and immediate impact on public health by expanding access to advanced MRI techniques for myocardial tissue characterization in CIED patients, who are at high risk of adverse cardiovascular events yet are underserved by current MRI technology.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

PROJECT SUMMARY Biomaterials for tissue engineering must simultaneously provide mechanical support at the tissue level and local biochemical and physical cues at the cellular level to promote functional tissue regeneration. However, these multiscale requirements often conflict with each other. For example, hydrogels designed to mimic cartilage extracellular matrix typically lack sufficient mechanical strength to withstand forces applied in vivo. Solid scaffolds with load-bearing capability are significantly stiffer than native cartilage. Both examples result in unwanted changes in cellular response that leads to the formation of functionally inferior scar-like tissue. These challenges highlight the critical need for biomaterials with properties that can be independently tuned across multiple length scales to direct functional tissue regeneration. To address this need, a versatile 3D printing approach has been developed to independently control biochemical and physical properties within a single biomaterial. Prior work demonstrated that printing inks containing peptide-functionalized polymer conjugates enabled control of bioactive peptide concentration on the surface without altering scaffold modulus or architecture. In addition, printing with different ratios of polymer molecular weight resulted in scaffolds with significantly different mechanical properties without affecting scaffold architecture, surface chemistry, or crystallinity. Relevant to the proposed work, human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) cultured in high stiffness scaffolds under chondrogenic (cartilage-promoting) conditions differentiated towards unwanted hypertrophic and osteogenic (bone) lineages while low stiffness scaffolds promoted more stable chondrogenesis. These findings underscore how biochemical and mechanical cues can have competing or synergistic effects and must be optimized independently to direct stem cell fate. The proposed project aims to expand and refine this biomaterial platform using hMSC differentiation toward cartilage as a model system. Specifically, a new approach will be developed to functionalize the surface of 3D-printed solid scaffolds with soft, hydrophilic peptide-polymer bottlebrushes to independently control surface and bulk properties across length scales within a single construct. It is hypothesized that the surface-grafted bottlebrushes will create a soft, hydrogel-like microenvironment for cells without compromising bulk scaffold modulus, and that including bioactive cartilage-promoting peptides will synergistically enhance hMSC differentiation into cartilage cells. This hypothesis will be tested through two Specific Aims: (1) demonstrate that surface properties can be tuned independently of bulk scaffold modulus, and (2) demonstrate that surface-grafted peptide-polymer bottlebrushes enhance hMSC differentiation. This work will provide a powerful and adaptable platform for future biomaterial designs by enabling independent control of cell- material interactions at multiple length scales. The proposed strategy can be broadly applied to other tissue applications by varying peptide sequences, bottlebrush compositions, and bulk scaffold materials.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

SUMMARY Analog enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a commonly used technique, in which the detection signal varies continuously with analyte concentration. To improve the detection limit, digital ELISA was developed, which allocates individual analytes to an ensemble of microunits (such as microbeads) and then counts the fraction of the “bright microunits” that emit light. While very sensitive, digital ELISA has a very limited dynamic range due to the fundamental assumption it relies on, i.e., the averaged analytes per microunit is far below 1. To extend the dynamic range, samples need to be serially diluted to a concentration within the digital ELISA dynamic range. However, the appropriate dilution factor needs to be determined through multiple trials. For multiplexed detection involving multiple analytes with vastly different concentrations, it is impossible to find a one-size-fits-all dilution factor. Other strategies include stitching the digital and analog calibration curves or extrapolating the digital calibration curve beyond the single-molecule assumption. However, it is difficult to determine the cut-off concentration between digital and analog mode and there is a discontinuity in digital and analog calibration curves due to two completely different methods used to obtain the corresponding detection signals. All these lead to large measurement errors. Here we propose a microlaser ensemble quenching bioassay platform that achieves an ultra-high sensitivity and ultra-large dynamic range with a unified method and without artificial digital-to-analog stitching. A microlaser ensemble consists of thousands of microfabricated high quality vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), which has a lasing threshold distribution when the microlaser ensemble is exposed to analytes. By scanning the VCSEL pumping level and counting the fraction of the bright VCSELs, we essentially probe the lasing threshold distribution, which in turn maps the analyte distribution in the microlaser ensemble. Similar to digital ELISA, the analyte distribution in an ensemble relates to analyte concentration in solution, which can be established through a statistical model. However, in contrast to digital ELISA that cannot differentiate a microunit with 1 analyte from that with more than 1 analyte, our method takes advantage of the non-linear (or threshold) behavior of laser emission and the tunable pumping level to turn the VCSELs on and off to differentiate the VCSELs with different analytes (i.e., mapping the distribution), thus significantly increasing the dynamic range. There are two specific aims. Aim 1. Fabricate and characterize VCSEL ensembles. We will fabricate arrays of microfluidic VCSELs using semiconductor microfabrication technologies. Each array will consist of 10,000 microfluidic VCSELs. The VCSELs’ quality and the lasing threshold distribution will be characterized in the absence and presence of quenchers. Aim 2. Develop an assay protocol and test the assay platform. We will use interleukin-6 in buffer and in serum as a model system. IL- 6 concentration will be varied from 0.01 pg/mL to 106 pg/mL to cover a range of eight orders of magnitude. The detection variability, detection limit, dynamic range, and recovery rate will be characterized.

NIBIB - National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

ABSTRACT There is currently no imaging tool capable of visualizing gas diffusion from the bloodstream into tissue in distal organs. This critical gap limits not only our understanding of fundamental gas exchange physiology—such as vascular permeability, interstitial resistance, and gas tissue uptake—but also our ability to optimize a wide range of emerging ultrasound-based therapeutic strategies, including barrier modulation (e.g., blood–brain barrier opening), neuromodulation, and the targeted delivery of drugs, genes, and gases. The latter is a promising therapeutic strategy for conditions such as cancer, stroke, and traumatic brain injury, with gases like O2, and xenon shown to modulate cellular metabolism and enhance cancer and stroke treatment efficacy. Ultrasound, particularly focused ultrasound, plays a central role in these therapies by enabling localized gas release from microbubble carriers, thereby minimizing off-target effects. However, no imaging tool currently exists that can visualize or quantify the distribution and compartmentalization of the gas following its ultrasound-triggered release. The long-term goal of this project is to develop and validate a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging tool capable of real-time monitoring and quantification of gas release and diffusion from the vasculature into tissue parenchyma after microbubble disruption. To achieve this goal, we propose using microbubbles filled with hyperpolarized xenon-129 (HPXe), an MR-visible gas with a diffusivity in tissues similar to oxygen and with a unique chemical shift that enables compartment-specific tracking of the gas across blood, interstitial, and tissue spaces. In Aim 1, we will synthesize and characterize HPXe-filled microbubbles, optimizing their xenon retention, gas-carrying capacity, and MR relaxation properties. In Aim 2, we will employ real-time MR imaging and spectroscopy to monitor and quantify HPXe release and diffusion following focused ultrasound-mediated microbubble disruption, with particular emphasis on measuring gas delivery to and distribution within distinct tissue compartments. At the end of this project, we will have a novel MR imaging tool capable of directly measuring gas diffusion from the vasculature into tissues with both spatial and temporal resolution. Although designed to optimize ultrasound-mediated gas delivery protocols, by enabling real-time assessment of tissue permeability this tool has broader relevance across a broader range of ultrasound-based therapies. Furthermore, this tool might offer a more efficient strategy for delivering HPXe gas to distal organs and tissues, expanding the utility of emerging HPXe MRI techniques beyond pulmonary applications.