Understanding how white matter brain networks affect cognitive functions
Official title: Functional Connectivity and Baseline Networks of the White Matter Brain: Development and Dissemination of Algorithms and Tools
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-10993654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different parts of the brain work together, especially focusing on the connections in white matter, to better understand brain health and help improve diagnosis for people with mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $451,847 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131335-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over the age of 21 who are experiencing cognitive issues or have been diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain connectivity or those under the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the functional connectivity of white matter in the brain using advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It aims to analyze how these white matter networks interact with gray matter networks and their implications for cognitive functions in both healthy individuals and those with neuropsychiatric disorders. By developing new algorithms and tools, the research seeks to enhance the diagnostic capabilities for brain disorders by utilizing previously discarded fMRI data from white matter regions. The ultimate goal is to improve our understanding of brain connectivity and its impact on cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity, but this specific focus on white matter networks is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biswal, Bharat Bhusan — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Biswal, Bharat Bhusan
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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.