AI for Understanding Brain Connections

Next generation axonal quantification and classification using AI

NIH-funded research Microbrightfield, LLC · NIH-11093531

This project is creating new software that uses artificial intelligence to better see and measure the tiny connections in the brain, helping scientists understand brain conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMicrobrightfield, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Williston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093531 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project is developing advanced software called HyperAxon™ that uses artificial intelligence to analyze detailed images of brain tissue. This software can automatically identify, trace, and measure all the nerve fibers, or axons, in two- and three-dimensional microscope pictures, even in very dense areas. By doing this, researchers can get a much clearer picture of how brain connections are organized and how they might be affected by injury or disease. This improved analysis will help scientists learn more about conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: While this project does not directly involve patient participation, future patients with neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders could benefit from the advanced research enabled by this tool.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have conditions related to brain connectivity or neurological disorders may not directly benefit from the insights gained through this specific software development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This technology could help researchers gain deeper insights into how brain connections change in various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, potentially leading to new ways to understand and treat these conditions.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon existing lab-built technology from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, extending it with new deep neural networks, representing a novel advancement in automated axonal analysis.

Where this research is happening

Williston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.