Developing a new tool for recording and stimulating brain activity
High bandwidth all-optical electrophysiology
This study is working on a new tool that helps scientists watch and stimulate thousands of brain cells at the same time, which could lead to amazing discoveries about how our brains work and affect our behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | 3 I NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11069680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel instrument that can simultaneously record the activity of thousands of neurons in the brain while also allowing for targeted stimulation of specific neurons. By combining advanced optical techniques, the project aims to enable groundbreaking experiments in neuroscience that were previously thought to be impossible. The approach utilizes genetically-encoded calcium indicators and optogenetic channels to visualize and manipulate neuronal activity in real-time. This could provide researchers with unprecedented insights into brain function and behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological conditions that affect brain function, such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with stable neurological conditions or those not experiencing significant brain activity changes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance our understanding of brain activity and lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of these advanced optical techniques is innovative, similar approaches in volumetric imaging and optogenetics have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
Denver, United States
- 3 I — Denver, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kilborn, Karl — 3 I
- Study coordinator: Kilborn, Karl
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.