The BRAIN Blog

New findings from the NIH BRAIN Cell Census Network (BICCN), an international collaborative, appear as 24 associated papers published in Science, Science Advances, and Science Translational Medicine.

On August 28, 2023, the BRAIN Initiative Neuroethics Working Group (NEWG) held its 16th meeting. The NEWG is a group of experts in neuroethics and neuroscience that promotes the integration of neuroethics in NIH BRAIN Initiative activities.

Two BRAIN-funded studies in small groups of individuals demonstrate inclusion of DBS in therapy may improve treatment. A third BRAIN-supported paper explores questions regarding posttrial needs of study participants living with neural implanted devices and highlights the importance of integrating a neuroethical strategy from the beginning of a research project.

Dr. Linda Amarante is a current F32 award recipient who used the funding opportunity to better understand the corticostriatal pathway. The F32 funding opportunity supports the research training of promising postdoctorates early in their postdoctoral training period.

The BRAIN Initiative recently issued a Notice of Intent to Publish (NOITP) to announce an upcoming funding opportunity for Data Coordinating Centers (DCCs) [NOT-NS-24-009] to support BRAIN Initiative Connectivity Across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS).

The NIH BRAIN Initiative announces awards for a new large-scale project that aims to transform neuroscience research and enhance our understanding of the human brain by developing technologies to map neural connections.  

A team of BRAIN researchers reveal a new brain region, the Rolandic Motor Association area, that contributes to body movement and might have an essential role in coordinated complex behaviors.

A team of BRAIN researchers make progress in understanding the role of facial expressions in processing speech. These insights provide a potential roadmap to developing new treatments for patients with difficulty understanding language.

The annual BRAIN Initiative meeting continues to foster and build relationships within the BRAIN community and explores the latest developments in neuroscience research. It also helps identify potential collaborations and research considerations.

In a recent paper published in Neuron, a collaborative team of neuroethics experts highlight key ethical considerations surrounding continuing trial responsibilities for implantable neural devices and provide points to consider for researchers and others working in this space.