Cabel Jarrett smiles as he holds a 3D-printed model of his brain, created from MRI scans as part of neuroscience research at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Photo by Chase Parker for Virginia Tech.
At the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, neuroscience study participants have the opportunity to hold their minds in the palm of their hands.
After completing their brain scanning sessions, research subjects receive a miniature 3D replica of their brains that serves as more than a mere souvenir. It has become an essential tool for researchers studying topics such as adolescent decision-making and young adult eating habits, and it keeps participants engaged in long-term studies. It’s made possible through the tools, technology, and expertise provided by University Libraries at Virginia Tech.
Food, the brain, and young adulthood
Emma Leslie, a doctoral student in the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, is investigating how diets packed with ultra-processed foods affect the developing brain. She works in the lab of Alexandra DiFeliceantonio, interim co-director of the Center for Health Behaviors Research.
“Participants complete two diet interventions randomly: two weeks of meals with 81 percent of calories from ultra-processed foods and two weeks on a diet with no calories from ultra-processed foods,” Leslie said. “We do MRI scans of their brains before and after each diet intervention.”
The goal is to better understand how food choices influence brain function during a key developmental age. But the research demands significant commitment from volunteers — daily meals and multiple scans. To encourage them to keep coming back, Leslie partnered with University Libraries to provide a unique gift at the end.
“They get a 3D-printed copy of their brain as a gift for participating, and that is a big draw for a lot of people,” she said.
For many, the moment is unforgettable. Leslie said people are often excited to receive the 3D-printed copies of their brains because it’s something physical and unique that they can hold.
“It’s an exact replica of what is in their head,” she said. “The 3D-printed brains have been crucial for keeping participant retention. Without them, I’m not sure that we would have had half the participants keep coming back because they had to wait until the very end of the study to get the brain.”
A participant in a neuroscience study holds a 3D-printed model of their brain, created from MRI scans and printed through University Libraries. Photo by Chase Parker for Virginia Tech.
Teen brains and peer influence
At the Chiu Lab just across the street, researchers are investigating how teenagers make decisions and how their friends and peers shape those choices.
“Our big picture goal of this study is to understand the neuroscience of how teenagers make decisions and how that might affect whether or not they engage in risky behavior down the line,” said Pearl Chiu, a professor of psychology. “One thing that we are finding out is that our safe peers potentially are more important and impactful than the risky peers. We are very interested in this idea of positive peer influence and how that might protect teens from engaging in risky behaviors.”
The study requires teens to return once a year for three years.
“A big motivation for our participants coming back is the 3D-printed brains. We’ve teamed up with University Libraries to give participants a 3D copy of their brains from the images that we take during our scans,” she said.
Her colleague and research assistant, Cabel Jarrett, said the impact goes beyond retention.
“Participants are thrilled,” Jarrett said. “They take them to school, show their friends, and talk about being part of a research study. That excitement doesn’t just help retention — it inspires the next generation of scientists.”
Cabel Jarrett studies MRI scans of a brain at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Photo by Chase Parker for Virginia Tech.
A library without limits
Roberto Silva, head of the University Libraries’ Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Health Sciences and Technology Library in Roanoke, makes this novel partnership possible.
“We’ve been here for five years,” Silva said. “Since then, we’ve worked to build relationships and partnerships with different principal investigators on this campus. They’ve gotten to know us, and they’ve gotten to know about our resources.”
For Silva, the value lies in making cutting-edge tools and technology available to everyone at Virginia Tech, and the brain-printing projects have been especially rewarding for Silva.
“Some of the research projects are amazing. Whether it be about nutrition or behavioral patterns, this stuff matters,” Silva said. “It makes me happy to know that we can support those research projects that go on to answer important questions in the research world.”
