A new device for wireless control of brain cells
A Novel Wireless and Subcellular Device for Neuromodulation
This study is testing a new, tiny device that can be injected into the brain to help control nerve activity more precisely, with the hope of improving treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911254 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel thin-film device that can wirelessly modulate neuronal activity with high precision. By creating a minimally invasive interface that can be injected into neural tissue, the device aims to influence the propagation of action potentials in specific pathways of connected neurons. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current neuromodulation technologies, which often suffer from invasiveness and device failure due to foreign body reactions. The goal is to create a stable and effective method for treating neurological disorders, particularly those related to Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other neurological disorders that could benefit from neuromodulation therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurological conditions or those who do not have access to the required medical facilities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advanced treatments for neurological disorders, improving the quality of life for patients with conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in neuromodulation technologies, this specific approach using thin-film devices for wireless control is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Deblina — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Deblina
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.