The BRAIN Blog

NIH recently re-issued seven notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for fiscal year 2017 to support neural recording and modulation technologies for the BRAIN Initiative. Three of the NOFOs call for large-scale recording and modulation of dynamic activity of neural circuits, supporting new experimental capabilities in animal models or humans. Four of the NOFOs support development of next generation invasive recording and/or stimulating devices to treat central nervous system disorders and thereby better understand the human brain….

Advancements in cell classification strategies and steps toward a comprehensive mouse brain cell atlas…

NIH has issued new Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the NIH BRAIN Initiative® that address critical components of the BRAIN 2025 Report including the development of new theoretical and data analysis tools, the establishment of platforms for sharing data, and continued support of early-stage research in large-scale recording and modulation.

In a recent Dear Colleague Letter (NSF 16-115), the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced interest in novel approaches to manage, integrate, and analyze large and complex neuroscience data sets, as exemplified by data coming from the BRAIN Initiative.

The upcoming year represents a transition point for NIH’s contribution to the BRAIN Initiative, with ambitious goals for scaling up initial efforts as well as plans in new areas such as technology dissemination, data coordination, and neuroethics. Details and specific contact information are available on the Cleared Initiatives page of the NIH BRAIN website.

New far-red fluorescent protein developed… Improved brain imaging by reducing errors during post-processing… Sublayer-specific coding dynamics in hippocampal pyramidal cells…

Researchers discover a new class of fluorescent protein genes in cyanobacteria and develop a far-red fluorescent protein for potential use in vivo.

NIH has re-issued Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the NIH BRAIN Initiative that focus on the development of new tools for understanding brain cell types and circuits, technology to monitor neural activity, precision interventional tools, and tools for the advancement of human neuroscience.

The fifth meeting of the Multi-Council Working Group for the NIH BRAIN Initiative provided an update on scientific advancements, discussed BRAIN-related efforts across federal agencies and non-federal organizations, and cleared concepts for possible new funding opportunities for fiscal year 2017.

Videocasts will be available for the NIH BRAIN Initiative Multi-Council Working Group and Neuroethics Workgroup meetings on August 2^nd and August 3^rd…

New classification of channelrhodopsin identified… Novel tool developed for studying cell lineages in whole organisms… Multi-area two-photon microscope monitors cortico-cortical dynamics…

Researchers discover new, functionally similar but structurally different cation channelrhodopsins.