UNC Neurology Professor Receives $2.4 Million Grant to Enhance Brain Activity Mapping

UNC neurology professor, Ian Shih, has been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the NIH to improve brain activity mapping using innovative imaging techniques.

Why It Matters:

This research project aims to address the limitations of the current standard fMRI technique, potentially leading to more accurate and detailed brain activity mapping. This could have significant implications for understanding brain disorders and developing more effective treatments.

The Details:

• The grant is intended to fund research that aims to enhance brain activity mapping using innovative imaging sampling techniques.

• The current standard fMRI technique, echo planar imaging (EPI), has been used for almost three decades but faces challenges such as acoustic noise, motion artifacts, and limited sensitivity and specificity.

• Shih's project seeks to overcome these challenges by improving upon the EPI method, potentially leading to more accurate and reliable brain activity measurements.

Conclusion:

With the support of the NIH grant, Professor Shih's research has the potential to revolutionize brain activity mapping techniques, providing a better understanding of brain disorders and potentially leading to more effective treatments.