Improving brain imaging to understand brain function better
Official title: Advanced functional MRI of cerebral cortical layers in the human brain using ultrahigh-resolution linescan MRI technology
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11067202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to take pictures of the brain that helps us see how different layers of the brain work together, which could lead to better tools for diagnosing and treating brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,328 |
| NIH project number | 1F32MH139173-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067202 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological disorders or those undergoing evaluation for cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable neurological conditions who do not require advanced imaging or those who are not undergoing cognitive assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing functional MRI (fMRI) technology to measure brain activity more accurately by examining individual layers of the cerebral cortex. By using a novel linescan fMRI method, the researchers aim to achieve higher spatial resolution, allowing for a better understanding of how different brain layers contribute to overall brain function. This approach will involve advanced imaging techniques and comparisons with traditional methods to validate its effectiveness. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies based on a deeper understanding of brain circuitry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise brain imaging techniques that enhance our understanding of brain function and improve treatment options for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While linescan fMRI is a novel approach in human neuroscience, similar techniques have shown promise in animal studies, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yusif Rodriguez, Nadira Del R. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yusif Rodriguez, Nadira Del R.
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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.