The developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP) has just released brain MRI from over 500 neonates. The imaging data includes structural imaging, structural connectivity data (diffusion MRI) and functional connectivity data (resting-state fMRI). This data release comes with minimal accompanying metadata: sex, age at birth, age at scan, birthweight, head circumference and radiology score. More specific information about the available data can be found in the accompanying release dates which can be accessed (together with the data) here.
The dHCP is an ERC-funded collaboration between King’s College London, Imperial College London (BioMedIA) and the University of Oxford. It aims to make major scientific progress by creating the first 4-dimensional connectome of early life. The goal is to create a dynamic map of human brain connectivity from 20 to 44 weeks post-conceptional age, which will link together imaging, clinical, behavioural, and genetic information. The project to date has successfully completed over 800 neonatal scans and over 250 fetal scans, and further data is still being collected. Further data releases are planned – these will be announced on the dHCP website when they are ready.