Project description
Innovative technique to obtain directional information in neurobiological specimens
The analysis of the directional information of the white matter fibres is fundamental for the understanding of the development, ageing, and pathological conditions in the nervous system. However, the imaging of white matter directional information using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging suffers from low resolution and requires the presence of water. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BioDir-X project aims to introduce a beam tracking (BT) multimodal technique for directional imaging. The BT technique uses a single mask for all source sizes, providing the capabilities of grating interferometry with a simplified and versatile setup. The project will exploit BT to extract the direction of fibres in sections of the murine nervous system using synchrotron facilities.
Objective
The analysis of the directionality of fibres forming the white matter is a fundamental task in the investigation of the nervous system (NS), in terms of understanding its development and ageing as well as many neurological conditions. The imaging of white matter directionality is usually accomplished by means of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI), which exploits the anisotropic diffusion of water molecules in the NS parenchyma. While DTI meets all the requirements for clinical imaging, it suffers from low resolution, which makes it difficult for pre-clinical small animal imaging where high resolution is required. In addition, it cannot be used for the imaging of materials where no water is present, requiring an alternative technique. In both cases, this can be represented by X-rays, which provide high resolution as well as the capability to extract directional information. However conventional, attenuation-based imaging is not directional, and the multi-modal capability offered by the new phase contrast techniques must be used. In addition to attenuation, these techniques also provide refraction and ultra-small angle scattering, which are directional signals and can be exploited to retrieve fibre orientation on a multi-scale level, above and below the system’s resolution. In particular, the retrieval of directional information from dark-field has been demonstrated by means of grating interferometry, which requires the use of two or three optical elements depending on the source size. The main goal of the project is to introduce a beam tracking (BT) multi-modal technique as an alternative for directional imaging. BT is based on the use of a single mask regardless of the source size, therefore providing the same capabilities as grating interferometry but a significantly simpler and more versatile setup. Directional BT will be used to extract the direction of fibres in sections of murine NS using both synchrotron facilities and laboratory sources.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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00185 Roma
Italy
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