The BioImaging Resource Core (BRC), part of Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC), provides leadership, scientific expertise and instrumental support in quantitative imaging techniques, including MRI, CT, DXA, PET and HR-pQCT.

Core Capabilities

The BRC leads the development and implementation of imaging techniques and protocols to quantify and characterize body composition, particularly skeletal muscle and total, regional and organ-specific adipose tissue, as well as to obtain non-invasive measures of vascular and neuromuscular function.

The core also supports a large image repository to facilitate cross-study comparisons and exploratory analyses of established imaging outcomes as well as the rapid development and validation of new imaging phenotypes. 

Highlighted Core Supported Research

Image Repository Harmonization

  • Administrative Supplement award (P30 AG021332-17S1) to modernize, harmonize and integrate the imaging data workflows of the WF OAIC and WF Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) to increase access to imaging data and facilitate the repurposing of images for future theme-relevant research.

Radiologic Aging Phenotype Identification (RAPID) Working Group

  • Led by Dr. Leon Lenchik and Dr. Da Ma, this working group brings together the imaging and fluid biomarker cores of the WF OAIC and ADRC to support development and integration of body and brain imaging phenotypes in older adults.

Research Education Component (REC)

  • Atalie Thompson, MD, MPH, “Brain Network and Mobility Function – Eye study”

Pilot/Exploratory Studies (PESC)

  • Kristen Beavers, PhD, “Feasibility of the D3Cr muscle mass measure during weight loss in older adults?”
  • Ashley Weaver, PhD, “Real-world Monitoring of Limb Loading for Bone Preservation During Weight Loss”

External Projects

  • B-NET: Brain Networks and Mobility Function; R01AG052419 (9/30/17-5/31/22); PI: Paul Laurienti & Stephen Kritchevsky
  • BEACON: Exercise and Bisphosphonate Use to Minimize Weight Loss Associated Bone Loss among Older Adults; R01AG074979 (9/1/22-8/31/27); PI: Kristen Beavers & Dan Beavers
  • HALLO-P: Health Aging & Later-Life Outcomes Planning; U01AG073240 (8/15/21-7/31/24); PI: Stephen Kritchevsky, Michael Miller, Barbara Nicklas & Jack Rejeski
  • HEARTSHARE: Wake Forest Atrium Heart Share Clinical Center: U01 HL16272 (9/1/21-7/31/26); PI: Dalane Kitzman
  • IGROOVE: Establishing the optimal frequency of dance movement for neurocognitive and physical outcomes in people at risk of Alzheimer's disease; R01 AG076669 (4/15/22-3/31/27); PI: Christina Hugenschmidt
  • IMOVE: A Randomized Trial of Dance on Mood, Balance, and Brain in Alzheimer's Disease; R01 AT009444 (5/1/17-4/30/2020); PI: Christina Hugenschmidt
  • INVEST: Incorporating Nutrition, Vests, Education, and Strength Training in Bone Health; R01 AG059186 (9/15-19-4/30/24); PI: Kristin Beavers
  • SOMMA: Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging; R01AG059416; PI: Stephen Kritchevsky
  • UPLIFT: Long-Term Effects of Weight Loss and Supplemental Protein on Physical Function; R01 AG050656 (9/1/16-4/30/21); PI: Denise Houston