National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Exciting advancements in neuroimaging! NIH researchers have developed a new PET radiotracer that enables visualization of a key inflammation biomarker in the human brain for the first time. This breakthrough could significantly enhance our understanding of neuroinflammatory processes and their role in various neurological disorders. Dr. Robert Innis from NIMH emphasizes the potential of this radiotracer to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.?https://lnkd.in/eJniDzCD

In recognition of #WorldBipolarDay on March 30, help raise awareness about bipolar disorder by sharing NIMH's informational materials based on the latest research. Share science. Share hope. #shareNIMH https://go.nih.gov/D1HXkRt

In a study funded by The National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers tested new suicide risk prediction models and found they were 18% more accurate than current prediction methods.? The models, which analyzed data in electronic health records from the Indian Health Service (IHS), may be an important way to reduce suicide risk in health care settings that serve American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Learn more: https://go.nih.gov/10hAMqO ?

?? On April 23, 2025, NIH will host a virtual workshop: ?? Reasoning Algorithms Across Species, Diagnoses, and Development: Theoretical Frameworks Informing Causal Manipulations This workshop aims to advance our understanding of the brain's reasoning algorithms, explore how brain disorders may impact these processes, and discuss whether computational models of reasoning can inspire novel interventions. Register to attend! https://go.nih.gov/qWPReoL

The hippocampus is an integral part of the brain that helps us learn and form memories. A recent NIH-funded study is shedding new light on the memory encoding process and may lead us to discover even more in the future. How was this study conducted? The researchers exposed mice to a conditioning task and examined their hippocampus about one week later using cutting-edge technology such as 3-D electron microscopy and artificial intelligence. What were the findings? Researchers discovered that neurons involved in memory formation were not preferentially connected with each other. They also found that neurons storing memories reorganized their connections through an atypical type of connection called a multi-synaptic bouton. Read more study findings!?https://go.nih.gov/D2iixgI

Happy first day of spring! As we welcome the spring equinox, it’s a great time to check in with your mental health and daily routines. Here are some tips from NIMH to help you take care of your mental health: https://lnkd.in/gxNCUzrZ. If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, remember that help is available!

How does neural activity drive learning and decision-making? A widely used technique called fiber photometry allows neuroscientists to track real-time neural activity in specific pathways. This method has been instrumental in studying how the brain encodes behavior, particularly in areas like addiction and psychiatric disorders. However, standard analysis methods fall short—they rely on simple averages, missing the evolving and dynamic relationship between brain activity and behavior. NIH researchers developed a powerful new statistical framework that overcomes these limitations. The methods precisely track how brain-behavior relationships change while accounting for individual differences among subjects. ?? What NIH researchers found: ? This approach uncovered effects obscured by standard analyses, revealing new insights about dopamine’s role in learning. ? In reanalyzing a landmark dopamine study, researchers identified conflicts between the data and aspects of an emerging theory on dopamine and learning—demonstrating how our methods can refine scientific theories. ? Researchers developed an open-source software package?that has been downloaded nearly 2,800 times, making their methodology accessible to researchers with minimal coding experience. ?? Why this matters: These methods can help neuroscientists better understand the brain mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and addiction by improving the way we analyze neural data. With broader adoption and validation, this approach could pave the way for more accurate, data-driven models of brain function. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eM4ZYEYQ

Researchers are tackling the challenge of predicting adolescent #MentalHealth risks in youth. Using data from over 11,000 children as part of an ongoing study, they developed an #ArtificialIntelligence model that accurately predicted those at high risk for mental illness within the next year, with sleep disturbances being a key predictor. This study — published in Nature Medicine — highlights the potential for AI to improve mental health screening and early intervention strategies in primary care settings. Learn more about this NIH-supported study: https://lnkd.in/gvNs6GeM

Calling all NIMH-funded researchers! Are you developing a novel technology and wondering, "Does my innovation have commercial potential?" The Concept to Clinic: Commercializing Innovation Education (eC3i) Program is here to help you find out! This virtual summer entrepreneurial training program provides academic researchers with the tools to explore the commercial viability of their inventions. Unlike general entrepreneurship courses, eC3i is specifically designed for researchers working on innovative technologies under an NIMH-funded grant. ? Who should apply? - Researchers (undergrads to senior collaborators) involved in an NIMH-funded project - Those with a strong understanding of the science behind the innovation - Individuals eager to apply business concepts to bring their technology to market ?? Key dates: ?? Application Deadline: April 14, 2025 ?? Notice of Participation: April 30, 2025 ?? Program Start Date: June 3, 2025 ?? Program End Date: August 22, 2025 ?? How to apply: Submit your application to [email protected]. Questions about eligibility? Contact Paige Anderson ([email protected]). Don’t miss this opportunity to take your research from concept to commercialization! Apply today! ???? https://go.nih.gov/IC6wqhj

Join us to celebrate an incredible and complex organ, the brain! Watch this educational video that visualizes the different parts of the brain and what each area helps control.?https://go.nih.gov/h6ncctX?#BrainWeek #BrainAwarenessDay