The physics behind successful UFBI studies

UFBI is an interdisciplinary research centre where imaging techniques are used to study the brain.

ImageMattias Pettersson

Down in the basement of Norrland University Hospital, there is an advanced research MRI scanner in operation – an instrument that plays a central role in both medical research and clinical examinations. When the MRI scanner is used in a research context, carefully adjusted settings and specific measurement methods are required in order to meet the needs and objectives of the researcher and the study. In addition, each examination must be carried out with a high degree of safety.

A range of technical and methodological settings and techniques are required to ensure that the measurements are as accurate and reliable as possible. To make this possible, researchers need the help of physicists specialising in magnetic camera technology, who, with their training, knowledge and experience, can help to ensure that the measurements are accurate and, at the same time, carried out safely.

"There are many different types of MRI sequences. These can be anatomical images, functional measurements or flow measurements. Depending on what you want to achieve, there are a number of settings that you can optimise to make the examinations as good as possible. It is a demanding instrument in that respect, so the physicist function is important, says Anders Wåhlin," director at UFBI.

The important role of physicists

However, the physicists working at UFBI do not only assist with the advanced settings. Among other things, they also help to monitor the stability of the camera over time to ensure that it is functioning properly. This is done using phantom measurements, where the same object is scanned repeatedly throughout the year to ensure that no significant changes have occurred. It is also not uncommon for research projects to want to use various types of additional equipment during their measurements. In these cases, the physicists help to conduct an investigation to ensure that this can be done safely and securely for everyone involved. A common example is when equipment containing metal is to be used, which may be affected by the strong magnetic field created by the camera. In such cases, a physicist needs to be present to ensure safety. In some cases, when safety is deemed to be compromised, a solution is found jointly to enable the project to continue.

Cecilia Björnfot, Diagnostics and intervention.

"An important aspect of our collaboration with UFBI is that we should be integrated into its activities in such a way that researchers feel comfortable coming to talk to us. For example, there is much to be gained from having a discussion before the start of a new research project. In this way, we can offer our views and thoughts on what can and cannot be done at an early stage, which can save a lot of time later in the process," explains Cecilia Björnfot, PhD in medical technology.

Today, Cecilia is primarily responsible for providing physics support to UFBI, but other regional physicists also assist when needed.

When a new project is about to start, the researcher contacts UFBI and presents their idea. If the project seems feasible, a start-up meeting is planned, attended by the researchers and physicists together with the responsible MRI nurse and neuroradiologist. The researchers present their project and what they want to investigate, and the physicists have an opportunity to express their opinions and thoughts on matters relating to the use of the MRI scanner and any additional equipment. The neuroradiologist is present to assess what should be included in the screening that all participants in the studies will undergo.

"Everyone who participates in a research study is screened to see if there is anything that needs to be followed up on in terms of healthcare," explains Anders Wåhlin.

At the start-up meetings, the researchers may already be well advanced in their plans for what they want to investigate. The physicists are there to contribute to the approach and to advise if any new equipment is required that is not already available.

"It may be at this stage that we find out if any completely new equipment is to be used. If we haven't used it before, we want to discuss it with the researchers early on in the process, explains Mikael Stiernstedt," lab coordinator at UFBI.

Main focus of the research

Currently, UFBI is conducting 10-15 projects, and operations are in full swing. One of the projects focusing on equipment safety is a carbon dioxide inhalation project, for which physicists conducted a safety assessment. The project involves oxygen and carbon dioxide tubes that cannot be placed close to the camera. The aim of the project is to see how blood flow in the blood vessels is regulated. If the vessels do not dilate, this indicates that the blood vessels are not functioning properly. In order to measure this, new solutions were needed for how the inhaled and exhaled air should be led to and from the test subject in an MRI-safe manner. This involved intensive collaboration with regional engineers at MT-FOU in Region Västerbotten, who were able to solve the challenges in dialogue with the physicists.

The further research progresses, the more detailed information researchers want to access. They always want to measure smaller structures with less noise, which can be challenging. This is another area where physicists contribute their knowledge, determining whether what researchers want to do is feasible or whether they need to think differently.

"Whenever we try to understand something on a rough scale, we want to take the next step andunderstand it on a finer scale, which may be necessary to get a more complete or accurate picture of how a mechanism works," explains Anders Wåhlin.

When researchers need specific information, physicists step in with their expertise and help design methods for collecting the requested data.

In 2024, equipment for focused ultrasound was also installed, around which research projects are being planned. This equipment is designed to treat very small areas.

"It's a delicate process with many technical challenges," Anders Wåhlin explains.

Based on this and other factors, UFBI, together with the region, has invested in new AI-based image enhancement methods, and they are currently working to understand all the benefits these methods offer.

"There is also interest in AI-based analysis. It's not something we've worked with much yet, but it's something that's on for the future," says Cecilia Björnfot.

It's not just healthcare that is the end user, but society as a whole

Physicists are involved in research projects, but also in clinical studies.

"We work in much the same way within the region, but then you put on your clinical hat and think about what they need," says Cecilia Björnfot.

In addition to the clinical connection, research at UFBI also focuses on memory and learning.

"It may be more about understanding what happens when memory deteriorates in older people or dementia patients. We also have studies here that can be implemented in schools. These may concern why one way of learning works better than another, and information about how children should learn at school. So it's not just healthcare that is the end user, but society as a whole," Anders Wålin explains.

The research is ground-based, which means that it may take a long time before we see results that change healthcare or education – for better or worse.

“It’s good not to rush into things when it comes to such important issues, and evidence is needed from several sources. But collectively, we contribute to wiser decisions that extend beyond healthcare,” Anders says.

The collaboration is invaluable

Whether it is a clinical examination or a research project under the auspices of Umeå University, it is radiographers from the region who are responsible for the examinations. They are also the ones who convene the start-up meetings and hold many of the connections regarding the research camera environment. Both the radiographers and physicists are employed by the region, and the university pays for part of their working hours spent on research.

"The research MRI scanner is truly a collaborative effort. Region Västerbotten is represented in the UFBI steering group, and we collaborate on a weekly basis with BFM (Imaging and Functional Medicine)," Anders explains.

UFBI holds monthly meetings where many disciplines are represented. This gives them a broad range of knowledge and increases opportunities for collaboration. UFBI wants to be at the forefront of technology and be able to compete with the best laboratories. To do this, it is important to keep a close eye on developments in the world around us, but also to contribute to those developments ourselves.

"This includes keeping up to date with the latest developments, but also with what is most commonly used," explains Mikael Stiernstedt.

As a researcher, you should not hesitate to get in touch to use the expertise available at the centre.

"We at UFBI have this capacity. As a researcher, you shouldn't feel like you're a burden if you contact our physicists and want to develop your projects," says Anders Wåhlin.