Launch of the ASPIRE Brain Health Dataset: A Game-Changer for UAE Neuroscience

Researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi) and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have unveiled the ASPIRE Research Institute Brain Health Dataset, marking a pivotal advancement in regional neuroscience. This open-access resource addresses a longstanding void in high-quality, population-specific neuroimaging data for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Published in Nature Scientific Data, the dataset provides multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and behavioral assessments from an initial cohort of 41 healthy young adults, laying the foundation for comprehensive brain health studies tailored to the UAE's diverse demographics.

The collaboration between NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Brain and Health and UAEU underscores the UAE's growing role as a hub for cutting-edge higher education and research. With the UAE experiencing rapid urbanization, population growth, and rising incidences of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease—key risk factors for neurological decline—this dataset enables precise, locally relevant investigations into brain function and pathology.

Understanding the ASPIRE Dataset: Composition and Scope

The ASPIRE (Advancing Science and Precision Medicine for Research and Innovation in the Emirates) dataset is meticulously curated to serve as a normative reference. The initial release features data from 41 participants—23 males and 18 females, with a mean age of 25.08 years (±7.64 standard deviation)—all UAE residents free from neurological disorders.

Key imaging modalities include:

• Structural MRI: T1-weighted (T1w), T2-weighted (T2w), Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR), Proton Density (PD), and susceptibility-weighted imaging for detailed brain anatomy.
• Diffusion MRI (dMRI): Multi-shell diffusion with quantitative anisotropy maps to map white matter tracts.
• Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI): Four runs with eye-tracking to capture intrinsic brain networks.
• Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL): Perfusion imaging via pseudo-Continuous ASL (pCASL).
• Quantitative T1 mapping for tissue properties.

Complementing these are behavioral measures such as visual acuity (via ETDRS chart), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson), stereoacuity (Randot), and perimetry, stored in BIDS (Brain Imaging Data Structure) format for seamless analysis. Data underwent rigorous quality control using tools like MRIQC and fMRIPrep, ensuring reproducibility.

Bridging Critical Research Gaps in MENA Neurological Studies

Global brain research datasets like the Human Connectome Project (HCP) or UK Biobank predominantly feature Western populations, limiting their applicability to MENA. High consanguinity rates in the UAE (up to 50% in some groups) and environmental factors like vitamin D deficiency (affecting over 90% of residents) necessitate region-specific norms.

Neurological disorders impose a heavy burden: MENA sees 17.6 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually to such conditions, with dementia prevalence at 12.16% (higher in women at 13.84%). Projections indicate a 367% rise in dementia cases by 2050. In the UAE, neuro-related deaths range from 160-219 per 100,000, exacerbated by diabetes prevalence (over 15%). The ASPIRE dataset empowers detection of deviations, aiding early diagnosis of stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS prevalence ~55/100,000), and Alzheimer's.

Methodology: Ensuring Data Integrity and Accessibility

Participants underwent screening for MRI contraindications and provided informed consent. Scans on a Siemens Prisma 3T scanner yielded ~1-hour sessions per person. Preprocessing pipelines—fMRIPrep for fMRI, Tractoflow for dMRI, FreeSurfer for structural—generated image-derived phenotypes (IDPs) like cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy.

The dataset is openly available on OSF (doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/BNXSJ), under CC-BY 4.0, promoting global collaboration.

Significance for Precision Medicine and Public Health in the UAE

By establishing UAE baselines, ASPIRE facilitates precision medicine, identifying biomarkers for disorders linked to local risks. For instance, it supports studies on diabetes-induced cognitive decline, where UAE rates exceed global averages. Integration with genetics (e.g., UAE Healthy Future Study) could reveal population-specific vulnerabilities.

Bas Rokers, NYU Abu Dhabi Center Director, emphasized: “This project creates critical research infrastructure... contributing meaningfully to global neuroscience.” Lead author Abdalla Mohamed added: “It lays the groundwork... for reproducible brain health research.”

For higher education, it positions UAE universities as leaders, attracting talent via research jobs in neuroscience.

NYU Abu Dhabi and UAEU: Pillars of UAE Higher Education Innovation

NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Brain and Health, directed by Bas Rokers, integrates psychology, biology, and data science to tackle UAE-prevalent disorders. Collaborations with UAEU, a national flagship, exemplify inter-institutional synergy.

This partnership fosters student training, with opportunities in neuroimaging analysis—ideal for aspiring researchers eyeing UAE university jobs.

Future Horizons: Expanding ASPIRE to 2,000 Participants

Plans target 2,000 participants (1,000 Emirati, 1,000 expatriates, ages 18-60) for statistical power (80% to detect moderate effects). Phased releases ensure compliance, enabling longitudinal tracking amid UAE's aging population (life expectancy ~78 years).

Potential: AI-driven analytics, cross-dataset harmonization, clinical trials.

Implications for Careers in UAE Neuroscience

The dataset spurs demand for neuroscientists, data analysts, and clinicians. NYU Abu Dhabi posts research assistant jobs and postdocs in brain health. UAEU offers physiology roles. Explore academic CV tips for UAE opportunities.

Stakeholders: Policymakers can leverage for health strategies; students via internships.

Challenges and Solutions in MENA Brain Research

• Challenge: Data scarcity—western bias skews diagnostics.
• Solution: ASPIRE's open model encourages contributions.
• Challenge: Rising dementia (367% by 2050).
• Solution: Normative data for early interventions.
• Challenge: Consanguinity-linked genetics.
• Solution: Diverse cohort design.

Balanced perspectives: Experts call for sustained funding, ethics in data sharing.

Photo by Yuliya Yevseyeva on Unsplash

Global Impact and UAE's Leadership in Neuroscience

ASPIRE diversifies global brain atlases, aiding AI models. UAE's investment positions NYUAD/UAEU as MENA leaders, fostering research jobs.

Actionable insights: Researchers—download dataset; students—pursue neuroscience; professionals—join UAE hubs.

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