The CEST technique is an emerging contrast mechanism that aids in making molecules of biological significance with low concentration more observable using MRI. Conventionally, this technique is very time consuming as multiple spectra/images need to be acquired. I am interested in developing CEST spectroscopy and imaging technique that are fast, motion robust and specific.

Current clinical MRI contrast agents contain paramagnetic Gadolinium which are not safe for patients with compromised kidney function and a most recent study has shown that these agents leave permanent residues in brain tissues even in people with normal renal function. There is an urgent need in finding new, biocompatible contrast agents. I was one of the first to develop the use of D-glucose as a contrast agent for MRI. Glucose is the simplest form of sugar in our everyday life and it is the fuel for all cell activities. Through careful design and optimization, I was able to create an MRI experiment to dynamically monitor the uptake of glucose. When injecting glucose into mice implanted with a human brain tumor, I observed very good signal enhancements in the tumor region. In addition, the dynamic experiment I designed also provides information regarding how fast glucose is taken up by the tumor therefore reflecting the integrity of the blood brain barrier around the tumor. I am interested in exploiting the physiological origin of glucose contrast enhancement and developing imaging techniques that are sensitive to glucose.