Imaging brain connections in post-mortem samples
Official title: Cell-resolution imaging of synapses and circuits in post-mortem specimens
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11118289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to see the connections between brain cells in tissue from people who have passed away, which could help us understand how the brain works and what goes wrong in conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $235,887 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS142509-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions who have consented to post-mortem brain donation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not eligible for post-mortem donation or those without neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method for visualizing neural circuits and synapses in brain tissue obtained after death. By using a chemical strategy that activates fluorescence in specific neurons, researchers aim to map the connectivity of brain cells, which is crucial for understanding brain function and disorders. The approach focuses on post-mortem specimens, allowing for detailed analysis of brain circuitry that is not possible with live imaging techniques. This could lead to insights into how brain circuits operate and their role in various neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain circuitry, potentially leading to improved treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies using live imaging techniques, this approach to imaging post-mortem brain samples is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laughlin, Scott T. — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Laughlin, Scott T.
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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.