New research is delving into cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enhance the analysis of MRI scans for individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). This innovative approach holds the promise of unlocking valuable insights into disease progression and, in turn, improving the treatment options available to those with MS.
Dr. Heidi Beadnall, from the University of Sydney, leads this groundbreaking research, which has earned recognition as one of the recipients of MS Australia’s most recent round of Incubator Grants. These grants, totaling $92,565, are dedicated to supporting pioneering projects that push the boundaries of MS research.
Dr. Beadnall’s team will investigate the potential of AI technology to efficiently calculate brain lesion numbers, lesion volumes, and brain volumes from standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, using automated image analysis.
MRI plays a pivotal role in thediagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of disease activity and treatment response in MS. By harnessing AI-driven analysis, the time-consuming manual processes involved can be eliminated, allowing for the extraction of a wealth of additional information from MRI scans.
In clinical settings, individuals with MS and their support networks often seek answers to questions like, “How many MS lesions do I have?” and “Do I have brain atrophy?” Presently, these questions remain difficult to answer accurately due to the limited access clinicians have to quantitative MRI data in real-world clinical scenarios. Dr. Beadnall’s project aims to address this unmet need by making such data readily available to clinicians.
With a strong focus on fostering innovative ideas to advance MS research, this year’s Incubator Grants will provide initial funding for new research initiatives led by four researchers from three leading Australian universities. In addition to Dr. Beadnall’s project, two other initiatives are directed at repairing myelin—the protective covering around nerves that is often damaged in MS. These projects hold the potential to not only halt but potentially reverse disability caused by MS, a significant breakthrough in MS research. The fourth project focuses on enhancing the diagnosis and management of MS by monitoring MS flare-ups through brain tracers that target specific proteins.
Dr. Julia Morahan, Head of Research at MS Australia, emphasizes that this innovative research, made possible through MS Australia’s Incubator Grants, underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to pioneering research in its mission to create a world free of MS.
Source NewsMedical
