A new method to image brain activity noninvasively using speckle contrast spectroscopy
Official title: A transformative method for functional brain imaging with Speckle Contrast Optical Spectroscopy
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11595726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, noninvasive imaging technique called speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) could help measure brain blood flow in people, including those with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $593,092 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3EB034710-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults and children with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions who could benefit from noninvasive brain monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without conditions affecting brain function or those not suitable for noninvasive optical monitoring may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a fiber-based SCOS system that uses affordable CMOS cameras to measure cerebral blood flow changes when the brain activates. It focuses on functional brain imaging in humans to improve monitoring in everyday settings and in clinical contexts. The approach builds on near-infrared ideas (fNIRS) but targets quantitative blood flow information that current methods struggle to provide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to affordable, portable brain monitoring devices that aid diagnosis and monitoring of brain injuries and other brain conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for noninvasive brain imaging; this project advances quantitative blood flow measurement using SCOS, which is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Xiaojun — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Xiaojun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.