Research project Characterization of the mechanical tissue properties of the brain in the developing brain with MRE

Our long-term goal is to characterize the mechanical properties of the brain at different ages with the aim of improving the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in the young population. Our long term aim is to extend this project to characterize the mechanical properties of the brain at different stages of brain development, which can be used to improve the diagnoses of various neuropsychological diseases, especially at early stages where treatments are more likely to have an effect, and to better track the response of patients to treatments.

Background

Very little is currently known about the evolution of the mechanical tissue properties of the brain in the first two decades of life. Such information can be valuable to improve the diagnosis of prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders in the young population, in particular, anxiety disorders. MRE in the brain is a new technique in which mechanical properties of the brain tissue are estimated non-invasively. MRE has barely been used in children. MRE for the brain is only available in a few sites worldwide. This Spring, KTH will become the only site in Sweden with this technology. This opens a tremendous strategic opportunity for KTH to take the lead in its use for brain diseases.

Crossdisciplinary collaboration

The researchers in the team represent the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), KTH and the Psychology Department at Stockholm University.