Mapping the brain's connections in animals

Ultra-high Resolution Structural Connectome Atlases of the Animal Brain and their Associated Toolbox

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11000386

This study is all about making detailed maps of how different parts of the brain connect in animals like mice and monkeys, which will help scientists learn more about how the brain works and how it can be affected by conditions like neurological disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000386 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating detailed maps of brain connections in animal models, specifically mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. By using advanced imaging techniques like diffusion MRI and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, the team aims to visualize and analyze the intricate pathways of white matter in the brain. These maps will help researchers understand how brain circuits function and how they may be affected in neurological disorders. The project involves collaboration between experts at Duke University and the University of Pittsburgh to develop new analytical tools for studying these brain structures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals with neurological disorders that are being studied using animal models.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the neurological disorders being modeled in this research may not receive any benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain disorders and improve the development of treatments for neurological conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to map brain structures, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Brain Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.