Groundbreaking MRI Insights into Brain Connectivity from Griffith University
Griffith University's National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) has once again pushed the boundaries of medical research with a new study revealing altered brain connections in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID. Published in the Journal of Translational Medicine on January 28, 2026, the research utilized cutting-edge 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to uncover distinct patterns of functional connectivity during cognitive tasks.
The study involved 78 participants: 32 with ME/CFS, 19 with Long COVID (also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or PASC), and 27 healthy controls. By examining brain activity before and after cognitive exertion, researchers identified disruptions in how different brain regions communicate, particularly in subcortical areas and core networks responsible for motivation, cognition, and executive function. These findings not only validate patient experiences but also open doors to potential biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted therapies.
In Australia, where ME/CFS affects an estimated 250,000 people and Long COVID impacts millions post-pandemic, this research from Queensland-based Griffith University underscores the vital role of university-led innovation in addressing complex health challenges. Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, Director of NCNED, emphasized the shared neurological symptoms: "The symptoms include cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems, difficulties with attention and concentration, and slowed thinking."
Defining ME/CFS and Long COVID: Neurological Overlaps Explained
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, multisystem illness defined by profound fatigue not alleviated by rest, post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a worsening of symptoms after minimal activity—and unrefreshing sleep, alongside cognitive impairments often called "brain fog." Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms lasting beyond three months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, mirroring ME/CFS in PEM, fatigue, and cognitive issues.
Both conditions lack definitive diagnostic tests, relying on clinical criteria like the International Consensus Criteria for ME/CFS. Prevalence data from Australian studies indicate ME/CFS impacts 0.2-0.4% of the population, with Long COVID affecting up to 10-20% of COVID-19 survivors. Neurological symptoms affect 85-95% of patients in both groups, including slowed processing speed, memory lapses, and executive dysfunction.
Griffith's research builds on global evidence linking these illnesses to central nervous system dysregulation. For instance, prior NCNED work showed elevated brain neurochemicals like glutamate and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), implicated in excitotoxicity and neuronal stress.
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Griffith University's NCNED: Pioneering Neuroimmunology Research in Australia
Established at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus, the National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) leads world-class investigations into ME/CFS, Long COVID, and Gulf War Illness (GWI). With a mission to unravel pathophysiology, develop diagnostics, and trial pharmacotherapeutics, NCNED integrates laboratory models, clinical trials, and advanced neuroimaging.
Key facilities include access to one of Australia's two 7T MRI scanners at the University of Queensland's Centre for Advanced Imaging. Directed by Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, the team includes experts like Dr. Kiran Thapaliya and Associate Professor Leighton Barnden, who have produced over a dozen peer-reviewed papers since 2023.
NCNED's contributions position Griffith as a hub for health research excellence, attracting funding from ME Research UK and the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation. This work not only advances science but also fosters careers in academia—for those interested, Griffith's breakthroughs highlight opportunities in research jobs across Australia.
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Unpacking the Methodology: 7T fMRI and the Stroop Task
The study employed task-based 7T fMRI, acquiring 450 sagittal volumes per session for unprecedented resolution—over 10 times sharper than standard 1.5T or 3T scanners. Functional connectivity (FC) measures temporal correlations in blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals between regions of interest (ROIs), revealing network coordination.
Participants performed the Stroop color-word task twice: "Pre" (baseline) and "Post" (post-fatigue). This classic cognitive test presents color words (e.g., "RED" in blue ink), requiring naming of ink color while inhibiting word reading—taxing executive control, inhibitory processes, and attention.
- Screen display inside scanner introduces stimuli.
- Participants respond via button box, ignoring conflict.
- fMRI captures BOLD changes in prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and subcortical structures.
- CONN toolbox analyzes ROI-to-ROI FC, comparing Pre vs. Post and groups.
Ethical approval from Griffith University ensured participant safety, with data processed for motion artifacts and normalized to standard space.
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Key Findings: Disruptions in Subcortical and Core Brain Networks
Healthy controls (HC) showed increased subcortical FC from Pre to Post, indicating adaptive task engagement. In contrast, Long COVID patients exhibited reduced FC between nucleus accumbens (reward/motivation hub) and cerebellar vermis 3 (p=0.02 Pre; p=0.001 Post), alongside medulla-hippocampus decoupling (p=0.04).
ME/CFS patients displayed elevated FC between left cuneiform nucleus (pain/arousal) and right medulla (p=0.03), with aberrant core network patterns Pre-task. Both groups correlated FC in cerebellum, amygdala, caudate, and red nucleus with cognitive symptom severity; hippocampal-cerebellar links tied to illness duration in ME/CFS.
Lead author Maira Inderyas noted: "The scans show changes in the brain regions which may contribute to cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slower thinking." Blunted dopaminergic pathways suggest impaired motivation, aligning with clinical PEM.
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| Group | Key FC Alteration | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| Long COVID | Nucleus accumbens - Vermis | 0.001 (Post) |
| ME/CFS | Cuneiform - Medulla | 0.03 |
| Both | Core networks to subcortical | <0.05 |
Building on Prior NCNED Discoveries: A Timeline of Brain Changes
This study extends NCNED's portfolio. In 2023, 7T MRI revealed larger brainstem volumes in both conditions, linking to cardiorespiratory symptoms.
Collectively, these depict a pattern: structural enlargement, neurochemical imbalance, and now functional dysregulation—suggesting progressive or compensatory brain adaptations.
- 2023: Brainstem hypertrophy.
- 2024: Glutamate/NAA ↑.
- 2025: Hippocampus volume ↑.
- 2026: FC disruptions during cognition.
Read the full study at Journal of Translational Medicine.
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Clinical Implications: From Biomarkers to Personalized Treatments
These FC patterns could serve as neuroimaging biomarkers, aiding earlier diagnosis where current tools falter. Reduced nucleus accumbens-hippocampus links imply motivational deficits treatable via dopaminergic agents or cognitive behavioral pacing.
Patient management benefits include validating PEM: cognitive exertion alters connectivity, necessitating rest protocols. In Australia, NDIS supports for ME/CFS/Long COVID may expand with this evidence. Future trials at NCNED target ion channel dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
For academics, such insights drive research assistant roles in neuroimaging.
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Stakeholder Perspectives: Patients, Clinicians, and Researchers
Patient advocates praise the work for substantiating "brain fog." Clinicians note diagnostic potential, reducing misattribution to psychological causes. Griffith's Prof. Marshall-Gradisnik highlights translational impact: "We are uniquely positioned to monitor health and economic burdens."
Broader views from ME Research UK funders emphasize global relevance, as Long COVID surges worldwide. Check Griffith's press release for more: Griffith News.
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Griffith's Contributions to Australia's Higher Education Research Ecosystem
As a top Queensland university, Griffith excels in health sciences, with NCNED exemplifying interdisciplinary collaboration. This bolsters Australia's research ranking, attracting international talent. For career seekers, opportunities abound in Queensland university jobs, including postdocs and lecturers in neuroscience.
Funding models highlight university philanthropy, like Stafford Fox, inspiring similar initiatives. Explore postdoc positions to join such teams.
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Future Outlook: Next Steps in Brain Research at Griffith
NCNED plans longitudinal 7T MRI tracking over three years in 40 ME/CFS patients, correlating changes with symptoms.
Optimism grows for therapies restoring connectivity, improving lives. Aspiring researchers can prepare via postdoc career advice.
Conclusion: Advancing Knowledge and Careers Through University Research
Griffith University's MRI findings illuminate altered brain connections in ME/CFS and Long COVID, fostering hope for diagnostics and treatments. This exemplifies higher education's role in societal health. Discover opportunities at higher ed jobs, rate your professors, or seek career advice. Stay informed on university innovations driving change.
