Mapping the brain's complex neural connections
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: Center for Mesoscale Connectomics
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10929386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different parts of the brain, especially those that help with attention and decision-making, are connected to each other, using special imaging tools to help us understand how these connections affect our thoughts and actions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,781,711 |
| NIH project number | 5UM1NS132207-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cognitive impairments or those interested in understanding brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological conditions that prevent participation in imaging studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a detailed map of the brain's neural connections, focusing on the frontal and parietal cortices, which are crucial for functions like attention and decision-making. By using advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion MRI and optical coherence tomography, the researchers will explore the intricate wiring of the human brain. This multi-modal approach seeks to fill the gaps in our understanding of brain connectivity that cannot be achieved through traditional methods. Patients may benefit from insights into how these connections influence behavior and cognition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of brain function and potentially inform treatments for cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in mapping brain connectivity using advanced imaging techniques, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ugurbil, Kamil — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Ugurbil, Kamil
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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.