Creating transparent skulls for brain imaging and electrical recordings
Official title: 3D Printed Multifunctional Brain Windows for Simultaneous Optical Imaging and Electrophysiology
Funded at Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation · NIH-10632060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special see-through skulls for mice that let scientists watch and record brain activity at the same time, helping them learn more about how the brain works during different behaviors and thoughts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loretto, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $738,079 |
| NIH project number | 5R42NS110165-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10632060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals with neurological disorders or cognitive impairments who may benefit from advanced brain imaging techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain function or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative 3D printed transparent skulls that enable simultaneous optical imaging and electrical recordings of brain activity in mice. By utilizing advanced printing techniques, the project aims to create devices that allow researchers to observe and measure the activity of millions of neurons in real-time, providing insights into how brain circuits function during various behaviors and cognitive processes. The approach combines both optical and electrophysiological methods to achieve high-resolution data collection from the entire cortex of the brain. This technology could significantly enhance our understanding of brain function and its relation to behavior and cognition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain functions and disorders, potentially improving treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for brain studies, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation
Loretto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kodandaramaiah, Suhasa B — Applied Universal Dynamics Corporation
- Study coordinator: Kodandaramaiah, Suhasa B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Automated system to help caregivers find items misplaced by people with dementia
A smart, automated UWB-based system helps caregivers in memory care and other facilities quickly locate items that people with dementia may misplace or hide.
-
Mobile tools to help caregivers coordinate care and stay socially connected for people with memory concerns
A mobile app system helps caregivers support social activity and organize care for people with memory concerns.
-
Using a ring sensor to diagnose and monitor Parkinson's disease in rural areas
This study is testing a simple and affordable ring that people with Parkinson's disease can wear every day to help doctors spot symptoms earlier and manage treatment, especially for those living in rural areas where specialist care is hard to find.
-
Mobile app to help caregivers coordinate care and boost social interaction for people with memory concerns
A mobile app for caregivers of people with memory problems to coordinate care, send reminders, and increase social engagement for their loved ones.
-
Tool to help caregivers find items lost by people with dementia
A tracking system that helps caregivers in memory care homes quickly locate personal items misplaced by people living with dementia.
-
In-home 3D sensor system to spot falls without wearables
This project builds a small, unobtrusive 3D sensor and smart software to automatically detect when older adults fall at home and trigger alerts when they cannot use a wearable button.
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.