Developing a new brain-machine interface using ultrasound technology
Minimally Invasive Ultrasonic Brain-Machine Interface
This study is exploring a new way to safely record brain activity using a special imaging technique that doesn’t require surgery, which could help people with prosthetic devices or neurological conditions have better control and treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10294005 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a minimally invasive brain-machine interface (BMI) that utilizes functional ultrasound imaging to record neural activity. By using this innovative technology, the researchers aim to overcome the limitations of current invasive methods that can damage brain tissue. The approach allows for sensitive imaging of brain activity from outside the skull, which could significantly enhance the understanding of brain functions and improve neuroprosthetic applications. Patients may benefit from advancements in BMIs that could lead to better control of prosthetic devices or improved treatments for neurological conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological conditions that affect movement or communication, such as stroke survivors or those with spinal cord injuries.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not affect brain function or those who are not candidates for brain-machine interfaces may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective brain-machine interfaces that enhance communication and movement for patients with neurological impairments.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques for brain activity monitoring, but this specific approach using functional ultrasound is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Pasadena, United States
- California Institute of Technology — Pasadena, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andersen, Richard a — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Andersen, Richard a
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 below.