What does BRAIN mean in MEDICAL

The BRAIN Initiative is a large-scale effort to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and improve treatments for neurological disorders. The aim is to develop and employ new tools to record, analyze, model, and modify activity across many different levels of neural systems and to generate transformative insights into brain structure, development, and function.

Since its launch in 2013, over $1.5 billion has been invested in basic neuroscience research from federal agencies including NIH, NSF, DARPA, IARPA, NIMH and FDA. This funding has supported more than 350 grants at nearly 100 academic institutions throughout the country.

The primary goals of the BRAIN Initiative are to understand how neurons communicate with each other within circuits; map out neural pathways affected by neurological diseases; identify how genes contribute to behavior; develop new treatments for neurological disorders; and create open source data resources for researchers around the world.

The BRAIN Initiative utilizes a wide range of technologies - such as imaging techniques like fMRI or PET scans - to observe dynamic activity within individual cells or populations of cells. It also uses optogenetics - a technique that allows scientists to control electrical activity using light-sensitive proteins - as well as genetic engineering tools like CRISPR/Cas9 for precise gene editing.

The BRAIN Initiative was launched in 2013 under President Obama's administration as part of his “Brain Activity Map” project. It is overseen by a coalition consisting largely of National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

While there is no set timeframe for completion, it's anticipated that this multi-year effort will produce tangible advances in neuroscience over several decades.

No. As with all NIH funded research studies involving humans participants must be conducted under strict guidelines established by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) outlined in their document on Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. No human testing is involved in any studies funded under the BRAIN initiative at this time.

Yes! The BRAIN Initiative encourages collaboration between US and international research groups by inviting applications from eligible foreign organizations. Scientists located outside US borders are welcome to submit proposals for consideration during scheduled solicitation periods.

Yes! Interested parties can visit www.braininitiative.org which provides detailed information about what the initiative entails along with updates on progress made towards its goals.

Absolutely! People can support advancements in neuroscience by participating in clinical trials or donating tissue samples such as blood or saliva that could help us further our understanding about how biology affects behavior. Additionally, individuals can advocate for investments into neuroscience research by writing letters or emails expressing their support.