A new tool for studying single molecules in life sciences.
Official title: Lumicks C-Trap Single-Molecule System: Correlated Dual Optical Tweezers and Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11100524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about getting a special tool that helps scientists look closely at tiny molecules in real-time while they move, making it easier for more labs to do important research that could lead to new discoveries in health and biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 1S10OD038190-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions related to molecular and cellular dysfunctions, particularly in the cardiovascular and biochemical domains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to molecular dynamics or those not involved in ongoing NIH-funded projects may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on acquiring a Lumicks C-Trap instrument that combines advanced optical trapping and confocal microscopy to enhance single-molecule studies in biomedical research. The C-Trap allows researchers to manipulate molecules with precision while simultaneously observing their behavior in real-time. By integrating microfluidics and user-friendly software, this tool aims to make cutting-edge research accessible to a wider range of laboratories, facilitating groundbreaking discoveries in various biological fields.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve our understanding of molecular dynamics, leading to advancements in treatments for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research utilizing similar optical trapping and microscopy techniques has shown promising results in enhancing our understanding of molecular interactions and dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yennawar, Neela H. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Yennawar, Neela H.
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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.