UVA researchers receive $2.3 million to study brain injuries in soldiers

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine has secured a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to test whether advanced MRI technology can detect hidden brain injuries in soldiers exposed to blasts.

Current imaging techniques often fail to reveal the subtle brain changes caused by repeated low-level blast exposure, leaving many service members without a clear diagnosis. Research has shown that such exposures may lead to brain scarring caused by nervous system cells known as astrocytes — damage that can currently only be seen under a microscope after death.

The study, led by UVA Health radiologist Dr. James R. Stone, will look at whether a newly installed MRI scanner at UVA’s Fontaine Research Park can spot this scarring in living patients. If successful, the technology could pave the way for earlier diagnosis, improved treatment options and stronger safety standards for military personnel.

“Repeated low-level blast exposure poses a significant risk to our service members,” Stone said. “With advanced MRI, we hope to move beyond the limitations of standard scans to detect the subtle brain changes caused by these exposures. Our ultimate goal is to speed up diagnosis and ensure service members get the care and protection they deserve.”

Over the next three years, UVA researchers will work with the Naval Medical Research Command to scan 60 service members with varying levels of blast exposure. Participants will also get neuropsychological testing to better assess the long-term effects of repeated blasts.

The effort builds on years of collaboration between UVA, the military, and other academic health systems to study how training and combat environments affect brain health. The project will be supported by the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology at UVA, which is focused on accelerating medical breakthroughs.