Creating a device to track communication between the brain and gut
Official title: Developing a sensor to monitor brain-to-gut communication
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11037438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a tiny sensor that can be placed in animals to watch how the brain talks to the stomach, which could help find new ways to treat digestive issues like gastroparesis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,107 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036732-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing digestive issues, particularly those with conditions like gastroparesis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-digestive related health issues or those not experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a small, implantable sensor that can monitor how the brain communicates with the gut, particularly focusing on gastric motility. By using advanced bio-electronic technology, the researchers will create a wireless device that can be placed in small animals to observe their stomach movements in real-time. Additionally, they will explore techniques to manipulate stomach activity, which could lead to new treatments for digestive disorders like gastroparesis. This innovative approach seeks to fill the gap in understanding the brain-to-gut signaling pathways that are crucial for gastrointestinal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for patients suffering from digestive disorders, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using bio-electronics for monitoring gut function is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of biomedical research.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hojoon — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hojoon
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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.