Developing faster and cheaper methods to map brain connections
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: Rapid and Cost‐effective Connectomics with Intelligent Image Acquisition, Reconstruction, and Querying
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10912069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to quickly and affordably create detailed maps of mammal brains using advanced technology, so more researchers can join in and learn about how brains connect and work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,115,065 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS132158-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological disorders or those interested in brain health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain connectivity or those not residing in areas with access to the research may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a more efficient and cost-effective way to generate detailed wiring diagrams of mammalian brains. By enhancing single-beam scanning electron microscopes (SEM) with artificial intelligence, the project aims to speed up the imaging process while maintaining high resolution. This approach will allow more research teams to participate in connectomics, which is currently limited to a few well-funded institutions. The methodology involves using machine learning algorithms to optimize image acquisition, making it accessible to a broader community of researchers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly advance our understanding of brain connectivity, leading to improved treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using artificial intelligence to enhance imaging techniques, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in connectomics.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel, Aravinthan D. — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Samuel, Aravinthan D.
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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.