BraINS (Brain Imaging in Normal Subjects): a brain image databank
Research type
Research Database
Full title
BraINS (Brain Imaging in Normal Subjects): a brain image databank of h
IRAS ID
134086
Contact name
Ian Marshall
Contact email
Research summary
BraINS (Brain Imaging in Normal Subjects): a brain image databank
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
13/WS/0258
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
We are developing a brain image bank (BraINS: Brain Imaging in Normal Subjects) using anonymised images already collected from healthy volunteers participating in research studies. We aim to create a national database holding brain images and associated metadata (eg clinical information eg blood pressure, cognitive test data) from several research imaging centres in Scotland. Data will be collected as part of original research or brain scanner development, with appropriate consent. These studies will each have their own ethical approval. Imaging data will be securely imported to BraINS (based in BRIC, University of Ednburgh). Images will be deidentified (removing face, ears) and explicit identifiers and obviously identifiable clinical diagnoses removed. The database will be based on XNAT, which allows access to each item of data according to the level of access granted on application to use the database (which will be agreed with the research study PI).
Research programme
We aim build a bank of brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) and associated clinical metadata derived from healthy subjects across the lifespan (focussing on exremes of age). This will provide a searchable brain image bank collating images already collected, with individual consent, for research purposes in Lothian, and those to be collected in future research studies. This resource will be used a) for primary research e.g. into ageing, stroke, multiple sclerosis and many other common neurological disorders, and in future into brain development from youth, and to address research questions that require large sample sizes; b) for clinical purposes, e.g. to provide normal standards derived from population distribution analysis to aid clinical reporting of images, and c) for training of clinical staff, and for education of students in a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Research database title
BraINS (Brain Imaging in Normal Subjects): a brain image databank
Establishment organisation
University of Edinburgh
Establishment organisation address
Brain Research Imaging Centre
Western General Hospital, Crewe Road
Ednburgh
EH4 2XU