Mapping brain connections using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: The center for Large-scale Imaging of Neural Circuits (LINC)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10913361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to take detailed pictures of brain connections in both monkeys and humans, which could help us understand how the brain works and improve treatments for brain disorders, all without any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $4,187,111 |
| NIH project number | 5UM1NS132358-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in brain health and connectivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain connectivity or those who do not wish to participate in imaging studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and validate new imaging technologies to visualize axonal projections in the brain, focusing on both macaque and human brains. By employing three innovative microscopy techniques, the project will create detailed maps of brain connections, which are crucial for understanding brain function and disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained about brain connectivity that could inform future treatments for neurological conditions. The research will involve advanced imaging methods that do not require invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of brain connectivity, potentially improving treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain connectivity, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yendiki, Anastasia — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yendiki, Anastasia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.