A new microscope for imaging brain activity in awake mice
Official title: Miniature Selective Plane Illumination Fluorescence Microscope for High-resolution Volumetric Imaging in Freely Behaving Mice
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-10974658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a tiny microscope that can take clear pictures of brain activity in mice as they move around, helping us learn how brain cells work together and how this relates to brain health and diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $419,038 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS135507-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurological health or those not involved in animal studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a miniature microscope that allows for high-resolution imaging of brain activity in freely behaving mice. By utilizing advanced optical imaging techniques, the study aims to capture the dynamic interactions of brain cells, particularly astrocytes, which play crucial roles in neurological health and disease. The approach involves genetically encoding indicators that can visualize neural activity in real-time, providing insights into how brain cells coordinate to influence behavior. This innovative imaging tool could enhance our understanding of brain function and its relationship to various neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain disorders and improve treatment strategies for neurological diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy is promising, the specific application of this technology for high-speed imaging in freely behaving animals is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Bo — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Liang, Bo
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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.