Mapping the connections of the human brainstem.
Official title: BRAIN CONNECTS: Mapping Connectivity of the Human Brainstem in a Nuclear Coordinate System
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10916313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making a detailed map of the brainstem to help researchers better understand how it works, which could be really helpful for people with neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| 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 | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,366,957 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS132181-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to the brainstem or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a detailed atlas of the human brainstem, which contains approximately 1 billion neurons. By utilizing advanced imaging technologies, such as light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography, the project will visualize brainstem networks at various scales, from large circuits to individual cells. This comprehensive mapping will help researchers understand the complex architecture and connectivity of the brainstem, which is crucial for various neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in mapping brain structures using advanced imaging techniques, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fischl, Bruce — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fischl, Bruce
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.