Authors

Molly K. Madzelan
Frances Lawrenz
Susan M. WolfFollow
Francis X. ShenFollow

Revolutionizing Brain Research Using Portable MRI in Field Settings: Public Perspectives on the Ethical and Legal Challenges

Publication Title

Neuroethics

Volume

18

Page

36

Year

2025

Abstract

Introduction New, highly portable MRI (pMRI) technology promises to revolutionize brain research by facilitating field-based studies that can expand research to new settings beyond the traditional MRI suite in a medical center. At this early stage of development, understanding public knowledge and attitudes about pMRI research is crucial. Objective In this article we present the first empirical study of the general public’s willingness to participate in pMRI research, and their perceptions of expected benefits and concerns. Methods & Results We conducted a nationally representative online survey (N = 2,001) administered Aug. 15-31, 2022. We found that respondents were overwhelmingly willing to participate in pMRI research, with no significant differences between five key demographic sub-groups: rural residents, older adults (65+), Hispanics, non-Hispanic Blacks, and those economically disadvantaged. Respondents saw many potential benefits (e.g., follow-up information about the study’s results) and few concerns (e.g., insufficient payment) associated with participating. Conclusion Such high public interest in participating confirms the importance of developing ethical guidance for pMRI research now, before that research rapidly expands. The results speak to the importance of minimizing the therapeutic misconception in pMRI research, as the survey reveals gaps in participant knowledge about the capabilities and limitations of pMRI devices to provide clinically informative scans. Our data showed that a lack of trust in scientists can reduce likelihood of participation, and thus researchers will need to engage participant communities to fully realize the potential of pMRI research to reach remote and historically underrepresented populations.

Recommended Citation

Molly K. Madzelan, Frances Lawrenz, Susan M. Wolf, and Francis X. Shen, Revolutionizing Brain Research Using Portable MRI in Field Settings: Public Perspectives on the Ethical and Legal Challenges, 18 Neuroethics 36 (2025), available at https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/faculty_articles/1134.

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