Our brains pulse in sync with our heartbeats and breathing. These tiny pulsations play a critical role in the brain's “waste disposal system”, called the glymphatic system, which helps clearing out harmful substances. When this system doesn't work properly, it can contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's. In this project, I develop a new imaging technique called PulseZTE, which can quietly and safely capture these brain pulsations in real-time. Unlike traditional MRI scans, which can be loud and uncomfortable, PulseZTE is nearly silent, making it ideal for children, elderly people, or even sleep studies. In addition, I will study how waste clearance process is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease, examining both rat model of the disease and human patients. By detecting problems in the glymphatic system early, PulseZTE could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat brain disorders, improving health outcomes for millions of people.

2025

2029