New statistical methods to study brain networks in substance use and addiction
Official title: Novel Statistical Methods for Analyzing fcMRI Data for Substance Use and Addiction Research
Funded at William D Shannon Consulting, LLC · NIH-11455092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, focused project will develop and test new brain-imaging analysis methods to identify biomarkers linked to substance use risk and addiction, using resting-state MRI data from people with autistic disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | William D Shannon Consulting, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $220,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DA064869-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with autistic disorder who may be at risk for or affected by substance use, and who can participate in MRI-based brain imaging studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without autism or substance use concerns are unlikely to directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project aims to create reliable brain biomarkers by analyzing resting-state fcMRI data with advanced multivariate statistics. It focuses on understanding how brain connectivity relates to vulnerability to substance use and how interventions may change brain function. The work will produce new analysis methods and user-friendly software to identify stable brain patterns, or the 'trait connectome,' that could predict risk. While rooted in neuroscience, the findings could inform how behavioral therapies are tailored for individuals with autism who are at risk for substance use issues. The study will lay groundwork for future, larger-scale projects in addiction and neuroscience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could yield biomarkers and analysis tools that help identify individuals at higher risk for substance use disorders and support more personalized intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous fcMRI work has shown promise but results linking brain connectivity to addiction risk are mixed; this project tests new methods to improve reliability.
Where this research is happening
-
William D Shannon Consulting, LLC
St Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shannon, William D. — William D Shannon Consulting, LLC
- Study coordinator: Shannon, William D.
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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.