Creating a tool to improve brain imaging for aging and dementia research
Official title: Development of an Oscillated Insertion tool to Eliminate Surgically Induced Neurodegeneration for Optical Neuroimaging of Cognitive Aging and Dementia
Funded at Actuated Medical, INC. · NIH-10792064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to place tiny light probes in the brain to help scientists better understand aging and diseases like Alzheimer's, which could lead to improved treatments for memory and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Actuated Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bellefonte, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $406,263 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG084801-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological conditions or those who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new tool that allows for the gentle and precise insertion of optical probes into the brain, which is crucial for studying aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By minimizing tissue damage during the insertion process, the research aims to enhance the accuracy of optical imaging techniques used to observe brain activity and structure. This innovative approach could lead to better understanding and treatment of cognitive decline associated with aging. The project also supports the entrepreneurial development of a researcher through a specialized program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved imaging techniques that provide clearer insights into the mechanisms of cognitive aging and dementia, potentially informing better treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using less invasive techniques for neural probe insertion, suggesting that this approach may also yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Actuated Medical, INC.
Bellefonte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gheres, Kyle William — Actuated Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gheres, Kyle William
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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.