Topic Page: Basic Research

NIMH Pages About Basic Research

Publications About Basic Research

About NIMH
about NIMH fact sheet small thumbnail This fact sheet describes the mission of NIMH and provides an overview of its work to reduce the burden of mental illness through research training, and information dissemination. Highlights major research areas and gives examples of clinical trials funded through NIMH
Brain Development During Childhood and Adolescence (Fact Sheet)
A brain set in an outline of a woman’s profile.A fact sheet that describes the past, present and future of research on brain development.
Neuroimaging and Mental Illness: A Window Into the Brain
Neuroimaging FAQResearchers use brain scans to study brain development in healthy people and people with illnesses. This publication answers frequently asked questions about what brain scans can and cannot do related to diagnosing mental illnesses.
A Participant's Guide to Mental Health Clinical Research
Participants GuideThis brochure, prepared by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), provides answers to common questions about volunteering for mental health clinical research. En Español
Looking at My Genes: What Can They Tell Me?
A fact sheet containing frequently asked questions about genome scans and genetic testing.

Science News About Basic Research

NIMH Twitter Chat on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Science Update •
NIMH Twitter Chat

Learn about post-traumatic stress disorder by joining NIMH’s Farris Tuma for a Twitter chat.

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Twitter Chat on The Teen Brain—NIMH Experts Discuss Brain Awareness Week
Science Update •
NIMH Twitter Chat

Miss the Twitter chat on the teen brain and Brain Awareness Week? Read the transcript.

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Differences in On/Off Switches Help Explain How the Human Brain Evolved
Science Update •
nucleosome structure

A recent NIMH-funded study identified small regions of the genome that are uniquely regulated in human neurons, but not in primate neurons. The findings provide insight into human intellectual function and risk for human diseases, including autism and Alzheimer’s disease.

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Leading Neurobiologist Appointed NIMH Scientific Director
Press Release •
Susan G. Amara, Ph.D., Scientific Director

Renowned neurobiologist Susan Amara recently joined NIMH as scientific director of its intramural research program.

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Switching Off a Specific Brain Region Can Alter Ingrained Habits in Rats
Science Update •
rat in a maze

Old habits may die hard, but we might be able to turn them off by targeting a specific brain region. Such a discovery could help us find better ways of controlling addiction or certain mental disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder.

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Posts About Basic Research

Open Data

By Thomas Insel on June 14, 2013

Dr. Insel talks about the value of data sharing and collaboration to promote innovation and scientific discovery.

New Views into the Brain

By Thomas Insel on April 10, 2013

Dr. Insel talks about how a powerful new brain imaging technique will make it possible for scientists to investigate the brain in in an entirely new way, offering a preview of what scientists hope to achieve with tools developed as a result of the new BRAIN initiative.

Making the Connection

By Thomas Insel on March 22, 2013

Dr. Insel’s blog makes the link between neuroscience and the national conversation on mental illness and gun violence; neuroscience research is the key to our being able to identify psychosis risk early and preempt the development of serious mental illness.

Brain Awareness

By Thomas Insel on March 11, 2013

In a blog about Brain Awareness Month, NIMH Director Thomas Insel talks about the mysteries that remain to be solved about how the brain works.

Roads Not Taken

By Thomas Insel on November 27, 2012

NIMH’s director talks about the need for research that explores the frontiers of science and funding efforts to encourage innovative research.


Meeting Summaries About Basic Research

Alliance for Research Progress — February 8, 2013 Meeting
February 08, 2013
Rockville, Maryland

Summary for the February 2013 meeting of the Alliance for Research Progress.
Alliance for Research Progress — July 13, 2012 Meeting
July 13, 2012
Washington, DC

Summary for the July 2012 meeting of the Alliance for Research Progress.
Neurobiobank Meeting Summary
May 14, 2012 – May 15, 2012
Rockville, MD

On May 14-15, 2012, NIMH, NICHD, and NINDS convened a meeting of brain banking experts from across the United States and with experts from the European Union’s Brain Banking network, BrainNet Europe. The goal of the meeting was to discuss issues related to the efforts by the three Institutes to take a more integrated and coordinated approach to brain banking in the U.S.
Alliance for Research Progress — February 10, 2012 Meeting
February 10, 2012
Rockville, Maryland

Summary for the February 2012 meeting of the Alliance for Research Progress.
Alliance for Research Progress — July 29, 2011 Meeting
July 29, 2011
Bethesda, Maryland

Summary for the July 2011 meeting of the Alliance for Research Progress.

Director’s Updates About Basic Research

Mental Disorders as Brain Disorders: Thomas Insel at TEDxCaltech

April 23, 2013

NIMH Director Thomas Insel discusses recent advances in neuroscience in a TED Talk presentation delivered at Caltech in January 2013.

NIMH Clinical Director Receives Prestigious Leadership Award

November 15, 2012

NIMH clinical director Dr. Maryland Pao has been named the 2012 recipient of the Simon Wile Leadership in Consultation Award by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

NIMH Grantee Wins The Kavli Prize in Neuroscience

June 05, 2012

On May 31, 2012, Ann M. Graybiel, Ph.D., of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was named one of three winners of the 2012 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience.

NIMH Grantees Elected to Membership in National Academy of Sciences

May 17, 2012

On May 1, 2012, six NIMH grantees were among the 84 new members elected to the National Academy of Sciences, a private, non-profit organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to advancing science and promoting its uses for the greater good.

NIMH Grantees Elected to Membership in National Academy of Sciences

November 23, 2011

On May 3, 2011, nine NIMH grantees were among the 72 new members elected to the National Academy of Sciences, a private, non-profit organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to advancing science and promoting its uses for the greater good. The Academy also acts as an official advisor to the federal government on issues related to science and technology.