A new imaging platform for studying brain organoid development
Official title: A parallelized imaging platform for accurate and efficient long-term assessment of brain organoid development
Funded at Ramona Optics, INC. · NIH-11001572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new imaging tool that helps scientists take better pictures of tiny brain models, which could lead to improved understanding and treatment of conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ramona Optics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,002 |
| NIH project number | 5R43MH133521-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with autism spectrum disorder or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain development or those not affected by neurological disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an advanced imaging platform that allows for the rapid and efficient assessment of brain organoids, which are 3D models of the brain. The new technology aims to overcome the limitations of current imaging systems that struggle to capture detailed images of these complex structures. By enabling high-content 3D screening, the platform will allow researchers to monitor the growth and health of brain organoids over extended periods, providing valuable insights into their development. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for studying brain development and potentially inform new treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with advanced imaging techniques in biological studies, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ramona Optics, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harfouche, Mark — Ramona Optics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Harfouche, Mark
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Parallelized computational microscope platform for high-throughput 3D imaging of patient-derived organoids
A new imaging platform will rapidly capture 3D, live videos of patient-derived organoids to speed up cancer research.
-
A fast, parallel 3D imaging platform for organoid research
A new imaging system from Ramona Optics aims to rapidly capture 3D, multi-channel images of brain organoids to help researchers study their development.
-
A new imaging platform for studying 3D organoids to improve cancer treatments
This study is working on a new type of microscope that helps scientists take detailed 3D videos of tiny models of human tissues, which could lead to better cancer treatments for patients.
-
Developing a new microscope for observing model organisms in 3D
This study is working on a new type of microscope that can take detailed 3D pictures of tiny creatures like zebrafish and fruit flies while they are awake and moving, which will help scientists learn more about genetics and brain function without changing how these animals behave.
-
Using zebrafish to test the effects of toxic chemicals on brain development
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment might impact brain development using baby zebrafish, and it aims to help us understand the potential risks these chemicals could pose to human health.
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.