Our Research

Our work is rooted in basic science, including novel imaging methodologies, pre-clinical disease models, and advanced image reconstruction and analysis techniques.

Performing over 300 MRI scans per year, we conduct clinical, translational and modeling research as well as clinical trials using the most advanced technologies—from inhaled hyperpolarized xenon (Xe) gas and ultra-short echo-time (UTE) imaging to deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

These and other progressive, noninvasive imaging techniques allow us to quantify structural and microstructural remodeling and respiratory pathophysiology—including aberrant airway dynamics, ventilation, perfusion and gas exchange—across the full spectrum of pediatric and adult lung diseases.

Our current areas of focus include:

• Obstructive lung diseases, including asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis
• Interstitial and rare lung diseases and transplantation
• Neonatal and infant imaging 
• Pre-clinical imaging
• Novel MRI strategies in acquisition, reconstruction and post-processing
• AI for data analysis, outcome predictions and 3D model representations  

Research By The Numbers

As a world–class institution, our research team performs over 300 MRIs annually—from pre-clinical models of lung disease to human subjects of all ages. This volume provides immeasurable data and insight used to advance our work.

Our Impact

The strength of our program lies not only in our numbers but in our impact.

From our novel MRI reconstruction and acquisition imaging techniques to our cutting-edge use of hyperpolarized gas and artificial intelligence, the work we do in the lab is taken to our hospitals and clinics to improve patient care and enhance our patients’ quality of life.

Our groundbreaking neonatal imaging research helps physicians detect lung issues in children born prematurely and our work in hyperpolarized MRI has led to clinical trials in CF and stem-cell transplant patients, leading to better treatment and improved outcomes. Our findings in adult lungs also have been used by our award-winning pulmonology program to improve long-term outcomes.

On a global scale, we participated in the Xe Phase 3 clinical trial, which led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for this novel imaging approach that is now used around the world.