Developing a new imaging tool to record brain activity in real-time
Official title: Head-mounted, high-speed confocal imager for voltage-sensitive neuronal recording
Funded at Physical Sciences, INC · NIH-10820778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Physical Sciences, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Andover, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,837 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MH126790-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10820778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or ALS, as well as those experiencing related neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders not related to Alzheimer's or ALS may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Physical Sciences, INC
Andover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoo, Hyejin — Physical Sciences, INC
- Study coordinator: Yoo, Hyejin
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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.