Our research program is part of an active effort to advance innovative approaches to mental health care at the Institute for Developmental Psychobiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Our team studies how brain networks shape mood and how brain stimulation and other interventions work, with the goal of making care more precise and more personalized.
We currently have several studies open to enrollment. Some are clinical trials that involve interventions, and some are observational and involve assessment and brain imaging. Taking part is always voluntary, and research participation is separate from clinical treatment. Whether or not you join a study will not affect the care you receive. Eligibility for any study is determined during a screening visit, and participants are compensated for their time.
If you are a patient, you can see whether you might be a fit by completing our brief pre-screening survey. If you are a referring provider, you are welcome to share the questionnaire with your patient or contact our research team directly.
Current studies
Longitudinal imaging of brain circuitry in mental health (ABC-MH)
IRB #25-11029532
A longitudinal "dense sampling" study for people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. As a participant, you can receive weekly brain scans along with regular monitoring of your symptoms, sleep, and more. The goal is to learn what circuits in the brain change as people cycle through different mood shifts over time.
Accelerated TMS for bipolar depression (CircuitBD)
IRB #26-03029924
A randomized study testing an accelerated form of TMS (theta-burst stimulation) for depression in people with bipolar disorder. This study has a sham-controlled crossover design, so participants receive both active and sham stimulation during the study. Participation involves brain imaging and a short, intensive course of stimulation, with follow-up symptom monitoring.
Antidepressant selection for treatment-resistant depression (BioSelect)
IRB #26-02029842
A multi-site pilot study examining predictors of response to accelerated TMS (administered at Weill Cornell Medicine) or a course of intravenous (IV) ketamine (administered by our collaborators at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) for individuals with major depression that has not responded to prior treatment. Participation involves brain imaging and an intervention course, with follow-up symptom monitoring.
Our research
Key papers
- How hippocampal brain states relate to depression. Our team found that depression is associated with shifts between distinct hippocampal brain states, and that successful neuromodulation treatment restores a healthier balance between them. Elbau, Lee, Lynch, Liston et al., medRxiv (2026).
- A brain network linked to depression is nearly twice as large and visible before symptoms begin. Using precision brain mapping, our team found that the salience network is expanded in most people with depression, is stable over time, and can be detected in childhood before depression emerges. Lynch, Elbau, Liston et al., Nature (2024).
- Using brain connectivity to guide where TMS is delivered. In nearly 300 patients, we examined how connectivity between the stimulation site and deeper mood circuits relates to TMS response, work that informs more individualized targeting. Elbau, Lynch, Liston et al., American Journal of Psychiatry (2023).
- A method to aim TMS at each person's own brain network. Our team developed Targeted Functional Network Stimulation (TANS), which uses each person's individual brain maps and electric-field modeling to position the TMS coil for personalized network targeting. Lynch, Liston et al., Neuron (2022).
- Uncovering how rapid TMS works in the brain. Using an optogenetic model in mice, our group identified a fronto-insular circuit and cell-type-specific plasticity that drive the antidepressant effects of accelerated theta-burst stimulation. Johnson, Liston et al., Cell (2026).
In the news
- Cornell Chronicle — Insular cortex linked to brain stimulation’s antidepressant effects
- Weill Cornell Medicine — Brain Scanning Approach Shows Wiring of Depression
- NIH Research Matters — Mapping a brain network involved in depression
- Newsweek — People With Depression May Have Key Brain Difference
- The Guardian — Part of brain network much bigger in people with depression, scientists find
Grant announcements
Grant Supports Studies to Improve and Personalize Bipolar Care: Three-year, $4.5M award
Team Lead: Charles Lynch, Ph.D., Weill Cornell Medicine
Co-PI: Immanuel Elbau, M.D., Ph.D., Weill Cornell Medicine
Learn more:
- Weill Cornell Medicine — Grant Supports Studies to Improve and Personalize Bipolar Care
- BD² (Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder) — BD² Awards $18 Million in Grants to Advance Research on the Biology of Bipolar Disorder
- EurekAlert — BD² awards $18 million in grants to advance research on the biology of bipolar disorder
Eligibility
Each study has its own specific requirements, confirmed at a screening visit, but in general we are looking for:
Adults at least 18 years of age (age ranges vary by study).
Individuals with major depression or with bipolar disorder (including bipolar I).
Ability to undergo an MRI safely.
Other study-specific health criteria, reviewed with you during screening.
A brief questionnaire is the easiest way to find out whether one of our studies may be a fit.
Interested in enrolling?
Patients: Complete our brief research pre-screening survey
Providers: Share the survey link with your patient or contact our team directly
TMS Research Program contact: 646-962-2900 | tmsinfo@med.cornell.edu
Participation is voluntary, and your information is kept confidential. Taking part in research does not replace or impact clinical care.
