Understanding how the human brain responds to severe impacts.
Official title: Biomechanics of the Human Brain During High-Severity Impacts: A Multimodal Approach
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11050303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain moves during hard hits to help understand traumatic brain injuries better, with the goal of creating safer ways to protect people, especially in contact sports and other risky activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,820 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136056-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals involved in contact sports, military personnel, and those at risk of head injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pre-existing severe brain injuries or conditions that prevent participation in biomechanical assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biomechanics of the human brain during high-severity impacts, focusing on traumatic brain injury (TBI). It utilizes advanced techniques such as dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonomicrometry to measure brain deformation during mild head accelerations. By collecting and analyzing this data, the study aims to develop accurate computational models that can predict the risk and effects of TBI, ultimately leading to better prevention strategies. Patients may benefit from improved safety measures in contact sports and other high-risk activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced prevention strategies for traumatic brain injuries, reducing their incidence and severity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using computational modeling and imaging techniques to understand brain biomechanics, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alshareef, Ahmed — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Alshareef, Ahmed
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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.