Mapping the superficial white matter in the primate brain

Unraveling the Superficial White Matter of the Primate Brain: Tracer-Based Histology and dMRI Tractography Validation

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10865069

This study is looking at how different parts of the brain connect with each other in monkeys, which will help improve brain scans for understanding conditions like autism and Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10865069 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the superficial white matter (SWM) in the primate brain, specifically focusing on how it connects different areas of the cerebral cortex. By using advanced imaging techniques and experimental methods, the study aims to create a detailed map of the SWM in rhesus macaque monkeys. This mapping will help validate diffusion MRI (dMRI) techniques, which are used to visualize brain connections in living subjects. Understanding the SWM is crucial for interpreting brain imaging results, especially in relation to neurological conditions like autism and Alzheimer's disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the neurological connections studied, or those not diagnosed with autism or Alzheimer's, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain connectivity and improve diagnostic and treatment approaches for neurological conditions.

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

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.