Developing a new microscope for observing model organisms in 3D
Official title: High-content behavioral phenotyping of model organisms in three dimensions with a gigapixel microscope
Funded at Ramona Optics, INC. · NIH-11087562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of microscope that can take detailed 3D pictures of tiny creatures like zebrafish and fruit flies while they are awake and moving, which will help scientists learn more about genetics and brain function without changing how these animals behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ramona Optics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $996,377 |
| NIH project number | 5R44OD036187-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include researchers and scientists working with model organisms in genetics, neuroscience, and drug discovery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in research or do not work with model organisms may not receive any direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an innovative microscope that allows for high-content 3D imaging of model organisms like zebrafish and fruit flies without the need for sedation. By utilizing a unique micro-camera array, the microscope will capture real-time 3D images at video rates, providing insights into the behavior and morphology of these organisms. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of current imaging techniques, which can alter the natural behavior of the subjects being observed. The goal is to enhance our understanding of genetics, drug discovery, and neuroscience through improved imaging capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in how we study and understand biological processes in model organisms, ultimately benefiting fields like genetics and drug discovery.
How similar studies have gone: While high-throughput optical microscopy is a growing field, this specific approach using a micro-camera array for 3D imaging of live organisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ramona Optics, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harfouche, Mark — Ramona Optics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Harfouche, Mark
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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.