A device to measure brain chemicals without needing membranes
A Wireless, Multimodal Neural Probe for Simultaneous Membrane-Free Neurochemical Sampling and Neuropharmacology
This study is working on a new wireless device that can measure important brain chemicals linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, using it on mice and rats to see how these chemicals affect behavior in real-time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082241 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new wireless neural probe that can measure neurochemicals in the brain without the need for membranes. It aims to improve the understanding of how neuropeptides, which are important in mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, affect behavior. The probe will be tested in freely moving mice and rats to ensure it can accurately sample these neurochemicals in real-time. By enhancing measurement techniques, this research hopes to provide insights into the brain's chemical processes related to mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have mental health disorders or those who are not responsive to neurochemical treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for mental health disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in neurochemical measurement, this approach is innovative and represents a novel method in the field.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yi — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.