Understanding Brain Activity for Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive Domains Classification Using fNIRS-EEG
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11158623
This project aims to better understand how different parts of the brain work together for important mental abilities like attention and memory, using advanced brain imaging.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158623 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a new way to look at brain activity using two non-invasive techniques: functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG). Instead of just seeing which brain areas light up during a specific task, they want to map these signals to broader cognitive abilities like language, attention, and memory, as defined by the DSM-V. This approach uses a large collection of existing brain imaging data to create a more general understanding of how the brain supports these functions. The goal is to identify patterns of brain activity that correspond to these key cognitive domains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals with cognitive challenges or healthy volunteers.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this foundational methods development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to a clearer understanding of how the brain supports cognitive functions, potentially helping in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting these abilities.
How similar studies have performed: While fNIRS and EEG are established brain imaging techniques, this specific approach of mapping signals to broad cognitive domains using meta-analysis of fMRI data represents a novel analytical strategy.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SANTOSA, HENDRIK — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: SANTOSA, HENDRIK
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 below.