Mapping brain wiring with advanced MRI and optical imaging
Mapping Human Neurocircuitry Across Scales with Diffusion MRI and Optical Imaging
Using ultra‑high‑strength MRI and precise optical imaging of donated human brains to create more accurate maps of how brain wiring is organized.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285313 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will image donated human brains with a powerful diffusion MRI scanner and with a microscopy method (PS‑OCT) that directly shows axon directions. They will compare the microscopic optical maps to the MRI measurements and use those optical images to build better computer methods for reconstructing wiring from MRI. The team previously developed special hardware and pilot data showing this comparison is feasible, and now plans to expand samples and engineer next‑generation algorithms. Results are intended to improve how MRI can reveal brain connections across different size scales.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people or families willing to donate brain tissue after death for research at or coordinated with Massachusetts General Hospital.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or living patients who are not able or willing to donate tissue should not expect direct or immediate medical benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make MRI‑based maps of brain wiring more accurate, helping future diagnosis and treatment planning for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work comparing diffusion MRI with optical microscopy has improved understanding of MRI limitations and this group's prior studies showed feasibility, but using optical data to engineer new reconstruction algorithms is a newer, advancing approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yendiki, Anastasia — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yendiki, Anastasia
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.