Investigating brain activity changes during attention-demanding tasks
Official title: Multi-modal imaging of the metabolic and neurochemical mechanisms underlying task-evoked negative BOLD signals
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10991817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain works when people focus on tasks, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about brain activity, especially those with neurological or mental health conditions who might participate in brain scans to help with this research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $177,438 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH135201-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions that affect attention and cognitive function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any neurological or psychiatric conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the brain's default-mode network (DMN) behaves when individuals engage in tasks that require attention. By using advanced imaging techniques, including functional MRI and PET scans, the study aims to measure various brain functions and chemical processes simultaneously. This approach will help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of reduced brain activity during cognitive tasks, which is important for diagnosing and treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. Patients may be involved in imaging sessions to contribute to this understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar multi-modal imaging techniques to study brain function, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jingyuan — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jingyuan
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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.