Improving MRI tools to map early infant brain development linked to autism
Continued Development of Infant Neuroimaging Analysis Tools
This project builds better MRI image tools to map babies' early brain growth and help reveal patterns tied to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291862 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a baby's perspective, the first two years are a time of rapid brain growth and researchers want clearer pictures of that change. The team is expanding their existing infant MRI toolbox (iBEAT) to handle the challenging cerebellum and to add missing features using deep learning. They will work with large, multi-site infant MRI datasets from projects like dHCP, BCP, and NDAR so the tools work across different scanners and hospitals. The goal is to make reliable brain measurements that researchers and clinicians can use to better understand early signs of autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are infants (and their families) who can provide MRI scans or enroll at participating research or clinical sites, especially those with a family history of autism or early developmental concerns.
Not a fit: Adults, people without access to infant MRI, or infants who will not undergo MRI scanning are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier and more accurate identification of unusual brain development linked to autism and support more timely interventions.
How similar studies have performed: The team's prior iBEAT V2.0 processed over 31,000 infant scans and supported many high-profile publications, though extending reliable analysis to the cerebellum is a newer and more difficult challenge.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Li — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Wang, Li
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 below.