Developing a new imaging tool to record brain activity in real-time

Head-mounted, high-speed confocal imager for voltage-sensitive neuronal recording

NIH-funded research Physical Sciences, INC · NIH-10820778

This study is working on a special headset that can quickly take pictures of how brain cells are working, which will help scientists learn more about brain diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS by watching brain activity in real-time in living animals.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPhysical Sciences, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Andover, United States)
Project IDNIH-10820778 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a high-speed, head-mounted imaging device that can capture the rapid electrical activities of neurons in the brain. By utilizing advanced fluorescence imaging techniques, the project aims to improve the ability to measure and understand the neuronal activities associated with neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The device will be designed for use in live animals, allowing researchers to observe brain function in real-time and under natural conditions. This innovative approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current imaging technologies, which struggle with speed and clarity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or ALS, as well as those experiencing related neurological symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders not related to Alzheimer's or ALS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with neurological disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While high-speed imaging techniques have been explored, this specific approach using head-mounted devices for real-time neuronal recording is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Andover, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's DiseaseAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron DiseaseGehrig's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.