Neil Lab
Jeffrey J. Neil, MD, PhD
Our research group focuses on applying magnetic resonance methods to achieve a better understanding of brain injury. The techniques we use include magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy. These methods are applied to both animal models and human subjects. Here are four representative projects:
Neonatal brain injury: We are applying DTI to newborns to determine the timing of neonatal brain injury. Specifically, we aim to identify which proportions of brain injury occur before, during, and after birth. Understanding this timing has significant implications for developing strategies to prevent or treat brain injury, which can lead to cerebral palsy in children.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI): One recent innovation for imaging brain injury is DTI, which allows for the early detection of brain injury. While conventional MR imaging methods may not show injury until hours or days after its occurrence, DTI can reveal injury within minutes. We are using both animal models and tissue cultures to investigate the basis for image contrast in DTI following injury.
Bayesian probability theory: We have been applying Bayesian probability theory to analyze MR imaging and spectroscopy data, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of our findings.
Sodium imaging: We are evaluating the use of sodium imaging to assess brain injury. Although sodium imaging presents technical challenges compared to conventional MR imaging, it offers high contrast images of injured tissue. This high contrast results from increased tissue sodium content associated with the loss of ion homeostasis and elevated intracellular sodium levels in the injured brain.
Principal investigator
Recent publications
- Prenatal Adversity and Neonatal White Matter Microstructure Independently Relate to Language Outcomes at Age 2 YearsBjork, J., Kenley, J. K., Gardner, C., Latham, A., Smyser, T. A., Miller, J. P., Shimony, J. S., Neil, J. J., Warner, B. B., Luby, J. L., Barch, D. M., Rogers, C. E., Smyser, C. D. & Lean, R. E., Oct 2025, In: Journal of Pediatrics. 285, 114676.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Structure–function coupling in the first month of life: Associations with age and attentionTooley, U. A., Kenley, J. K., Camacho, M. C., Latham, A., Alexopoulos, D., Nielsen, A. N., Smyser, T. A., Warner, B. B., Shimony, J. S., Neil, J. J., Luby, J. L., Barch, D. M., Rogers, C. E. & Smyser, C. D., Jun 10 2025, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 122, 23, e2412729122.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Advances in Neonatal NeuroimagingShah, E. G., Neil, J. J. & Smyser, C. D., Jun 2025, In: Clinics in Perinatology. 52, 2, p. 237-269 33 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
- Prenatal Adversity and Neonatal Brain Connectivity Relate to Emerging Executive Function at Age 2 YearsLean, R. E., Kenley, J. K., Latham, A. R., Smyser, T. A., Neil, J. J., Nielsen, A. N., Sylvester, C. M., Miller, J. P., Shimony, J. J., Luby, J. L., Barch, D. M., Warner, B. B., Smyser, C. D. & Rogers, C. E., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
- Prenatal exposure to maternal disadvantage-related inflammatory biomarkers: associations with neonatal white matter microstructureSanders, A. F. P., Tirado, B., Seider, N. A., Triplett, R. L., Lean, R. E., Neil, J. J., Miller, J. P., Tillman, R., Smyser, T. A., Barch, D. M., Luby, J. L., Rogers, C. E., Smyser, C. D., Warner, B. B., Chen, E. & Miller, G. E., Dec 2024, In: Translational psychiatry. 14, 1, 72.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review