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The University of Minnesota announces the publication of the first ethics checklist tailored for portable MRI brain research, a tool intended to address pressing ethical, legal, and societal issues as research expands into communities.
A new ethics checklist tailored for portable MRI brain research has been published, providing a structured guide for addressing ethical, legal, and societal issues (ELSI) in community-based neuroscience research.
The University of Minnesota has developed the first-ever ethics checklist specifically for portable MRI brain research, addressing ethical, legal, and societal issues (ELSI). As portable MRI technology grows in use outside hospital settings, this checklist provides essential guidance to researchers.
Understand the rapid expansion and potential of portable MRI technologies.
Portable MRI technologies are broadening the scope of neuroscience research beyond traditional settings. Portable MRI technology is revolutionizing how and where brain data can be collected. Unlike conventional MRI machines stationed in hospitals, portable MRIs enable researchers to conduct studies in community settings, which was previously not feasible. This advancement allows for a wider demographic representation in studies.
"This is exactly what researchers in the field need—something tangible that they can put into action immediately to improve portable MRI research," noted Damien Fair, director of the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.
As portable MRI technologies become more accessible, researchers have the chance to include diverse populations that do not have easy access to hospital-grade MRI facilities. This expansion helps to democratize and broaden the scope of neuroscience research.
Recognize the importance of ethical considerations in expanding technologies.
Ethical guidelines are critical in addressing the challenges associated with portable MRI use in community research. With the shift of MRI research into community settings, researchers face unique ethical challenges. These include ensuring participant safety, managing incidental findings responsibly, and upholding data privacy standards. Ethical guidelines, therefore, become crucial.
"Portable MRI researchers are at the cutting edge of science, and they need concrete tools like this Checklist," stated Francis Shen, a University of Minnesota professor.
The checklist serves as a framework that guides researchers through the complexities of conducting MRI studies outside traditional environments. It supports ethical research by advising on participant interactions, data handling, and unforeseen findings.
Apply the checklist in practical community-based research scenarios.
Implementing the checklist improves the quality and inclusivity of portable MRI research. The ELSI checklist covers four stages of MRI research: creating research protocols, preparing for scans, conducting scans, and post-scan responsibilities. Each stage includes specific actions to ensure ethical compliance.
By adhering to these guidelines, researchers can manage ethical issues proactively, leading to more inclusive research practices that are respectful of participant rights and community dynamics. The checklist also facilitates collaborations by establishing clear ethical standards.
Utilizing the checklist is expected to enhance the inclusivity and accuracy of research findings, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding of brain health across diverse populations.
Shen, F.X., Wolf, S.M., Lawrenz, F., Comeau, D.S., Evans, B.J., Fair, D., Farah, M.J., Garwood, M., Han, S.D., Illes, J., Jackson, J.D., Klein, E., Rosen, M.S., Torres, E., Tuite, P., & Vaughan, J.T. (2025). Conducting Research with Highly Portable MRI in Community Settings: A Practical Guide to Navigating Ethical Issues and ELSI Checklist. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 52(4), 769-785. doi:10.1017/jme.2024.162
University of Minnesota. (2025). First-ever ethics checklist developed for portable MRI brain researchers. Medical Xpress. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-ethics-checklist-portable-mri-brain.html