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Axon Diameter Mapping in the Living Human Brain with Ultra-High-Gradient Diffusion MRI at 500 mT/m Gradient Strength.

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Human Brain Mapping
|June 4, 2026
PubMed
Summary

The new Connectome 2.0 MRI scanner significantly improves axon diameter mapping resolution in the human brain. Its advanced gradient strength enables more precise measurement of small diameter axons, crucial for understanding neurological disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Biophysics
  • Human Brain Anatomy

Background:

  • Accurate axon diameter mapping is vital for studying neurological disorders and white matter organization.
  • Current MRI technology faces limitations in resolving small axon diameters.
  • Higher gradient strength in MRI scanners is needed to push the resolution limits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the sensitivity of axon diameter mapping to small axons using the Connectome 2.0 MRI scanner.
  • To compare the performance of Connectome 2.0 (500 mT/m gradient strength) with Connectome 1.0 (300 mT/m).
  • To assess the impact of enhanced gradient strength on the accuracy and repeatability of axon diameter measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Applied the AxCaliber-SMT model to diffusion MRI data from 40 healthy adults.
  • Acquired data from 20 participants on Connectome 1.0 and 20 age/sex-matched participants on Connectome 2.0.
  • Performed group-level comparisons and scan-rescan repeatability tests.

Main Results:

  • Connectome 2.0 achieved a theoretical minimum detectable axon diameter of 2.5 μm, compared to 3.6 μm on Connectome 1.0.
  • MR-estimated axon diameter in the corticospinal tract was significantly lower on Connectome 2.0 (2.66 μm) vs. Connectome 1.0 (3.35 μm).
  • Scan-rescan repeatability improved on Connectome 2.0, with a mean absolute difference of 0.29 μm vs. 0.65 μm on Connectome 1.0.

Conclusions:

  • The Connectome 2.0 scanner demonstrates superior sensitivity and accuracy for mapping small axon diameters in the human brain.
  • Higher gradient strength, reduced echo time, and increased SNR contribute to improved parameter reliability.
  • These advancements are critical for noninvasive quantification of axonal microstructure and understanding white matter integrity.