Analyzing brain microstructure changes during adolescence using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Exploratory Analysis Tools for Developmental Studies of Brain Microstructure with Diffusion MRI
Funded at Kitware, INC. · NIH-10874547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's structure changes during the teenage years and how these changes might be linked to mental health issues like bipolar disorder, using special imaging techniques to help researchers understand this better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kitware, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clifton Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $314,054 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH132982-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12-20 who may be at risk for developing bipolar disorder or other affective disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without any mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the brain's white matter microstructure changes during adolescence, a critical period for brain development. By utilizing advanced diffusion MRI techniques, the project aims to create an open-source software platform that allows for detailed analysis of longitudinal brain imaging data. This platform will help researchers explore how these microstructural changes may be influenced by the onset of mental disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, in adolescents. The study will employ sophisticated imaging models to capture these changes more accurately than traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and early identification of mental health issues in adolescents, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced diffusion MRI techniques to study brain development, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Kitware, INC.
Clifton Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ebrahim, Ebrahim — Kitware, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ebrahim, Ebrahim
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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.