Advanced Imaging for Alzheimer's Disease Research
Official title: Video Rate Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy (VR-PTIR)
Funded at Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. · NIH-11131289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a new, super-fast microscope to get a much clearer look at tiny details in tissues, especially for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | July 4, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $959,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R44GM154516-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
While this project does not directly involve patients, individuals interested in supporting research into Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions may find this work relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not benefit from this foundational technology development.
What this research studies
We are developing a new imaging technology called Video Rate Photothermal Infrared (VR-PTIR) spectroscopy. This advanced microscope will allow scientists to see molecular details in tissues with much greater clarity and speed than current methods. It can zoom in on structures smaller than a single cell, which is crucial for understanding complex diseases. By speeding up the imaging process significantly, researchers can gather more detailed information faster, helping to unlock secrets of diseases like Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This technology could help researchers better understand diseases like Alzheimer's at a molecular level, potentially leading to new ways to diagnose or treat these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) is an emerging field, and this project aims to significantly improve upon existing, slower O-PTIR instruments.
Where this research is happening
-
Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp.
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prater, Craig — Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp.
- Study coordinator: Prater, Craig
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
High-speed, label-free chemical imaging for live cells in multiwell plates
A next-generation PT-SRS microscope will let scientists image live cells in standard 96-well plates quickly and without labels.
-
High-Speed, Automated Analysis of Tiny Microplastics
A new automated system to quickly detect and identify tiny microplastics (smaller than 20 micrometers) in air, water, soil, and food to help protect health and the environment.
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Advanced imaging technique for analyzing biological tissues
This study is testing a new imaging technique that helps doctors see and understand the tiny details in brain tissues affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease much faster and clearer, which could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for patients.
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.