Developing a new type of endomicroscope for brain imaging
Official title: Multi-probe minimally invasive endomicroscope
Funded at Modendo INC. · NIH-10709909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, tiny camera that can take detailed pictures of hard-to-reach parts of the brain without causing much harm, helping researchers learn more about how healthy and unhealthy brains work, which could improve how we diagnose and treat mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Modendo INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $238,840 |
| NIH project number | 5R43NS127710-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10709909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals suffering from mental health disorders who may benefit from advanced diagnostic techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve deep brain structures or those who are not candidates for invasive procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a multi-probe ultrathin endomicroscope designed to provide high-resolution imaging and photo-stimulation in hard-to-reach areas of the brain. The device aims to be minimally invasive, allowing for the examination of brain regions like the brain stem and olfactory bulb with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. By using this innovative technology, researchers hope to gain insights into brain connectivity and differences between healthy and diseased brains, which could lead to advancements in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients with mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using multi-probe endomicroscopes is innovative, similar technologies in minimally invasive imaging have shown promise in other medical fields.
Where this research is happening
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Modendo INC.
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caravaca Aguirre, Antonio Miguel — Modendo INC.
- Study coordinator: Caravaca Aguirre, Antonio Miguel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Multi-probe ultrathin brain imaging tool for scientific and future human use
A tiny, multi-probe endomicroscope is being developed to image and lightly stimulate deep regions of the brain in model animals, with potential to become a human diagnostic and treatment instrument in the future.
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Developing a new type of endomicroscope for brain imaging
This study is working on a tiny, advanced camera that can take clear pictures and stimulate different parts of the brain without causing much harm, which could help researchers learn more about brain disorders and eventually improve treatments for people.
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.