Developing a new microscope to map brain connections
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: Photoemission Electron Microscopy for Connectomics
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10867103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of microscope that uses special light to take super detailed pictures of the brain's connections, which could help scientists understand how the brain works better and make this research easier and cheaper for everyone involved in studying the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,609,558 |
| NIH project number | 1U01NS136401-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders or conditions that affect brain connectivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain connectivity or those who do not require detailed brain mapping may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an innovative microscope that uses photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) to map the intricate connections in the brain, known as connectomes. By utilizing UV light to excite photoelectrons, the team aims to achieve high-resolution imaging at unprecedented speeds, allowing for the collection of thousands of ultra-thin brain slices. The project will also incorporate advanced automation techniques to enhance the imaging process and ensure high-quality data collection. This approach could significantly lower the cost of connectomic analysis, making it more accessible for various applications in neuroscience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more efficient and cost-effective method for mapping brain connections, leading to better understanding and treatment of neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for brain mapping, but this specific approach with PEEM is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasthuri, Narayanan — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kasthuri, Narayanan
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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.