Developing advanced imaging technology for analyzing cells in 3D at high speeds
Official title: Three-dimensional fluorescence imaging flow cytometry at up to million frames per second
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11004073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to look at cells in 3D really quickly, which could help scientists learn more about how cells behave and what they look like, making it easier to study many cells at once.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148906-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require detailed cellular analysis, such as cancer or other diseases affecting cell behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve cellular analysis or those who are not undergoing treatment that requires such detailed imaging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing flow cytometry by developing a new imaging technique that allows for three-dimensional analysis of cells at unprecedented speeds. The approach combines the rapid analysis capabilities of traditional flow cytometry with advanced microscopy to capture detailed 3D images of cellular structures. By utilizing a novel method called Line Excitation Array Detection microscopy (LEAD), the researchers aim to overcome current limitations in resolution and field of view, enabling the analysis of hundreds to thousands of cells simultaneously. This could significantly improve our understanding of cellular behavior and characteristics in various biological contexts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment strategies for various diseases, including cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While imaging flow cytometry has been explored, this specific approach using LEAD microscopy represents a novel advancement that has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ben-Yakar, Adela — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Ben-Yakar, Adela
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Translating new nerve grafts to clinical use
Aims to bring advanced nerve graft technology that uses PEG-fusion and localized immunosuppression to patients with nerve gaps.
-
GABA-A receptor gating mechanisms and how drugs affect them
Researchers are studying how GABA-A receptor gates work and how medicines can modulate them to help people with epilepsy, Alzheimer's-related symptoms, and other brain disorders.
-
Nanoparticles that calm inflammation after artery procedures
A new nanoparticle inspired by dying cells is being tested to reduce inflammation after artery procedures and help PAD patients heal better.
-
Silent speech interface using a wearable tongue tracker to help people after laryngectomy communicate
A wearable system with tongue sensors and intraoral components aims to let people without a vocal cord use natural-sounding speech in daily life.
-
Understanding and reversing abnormal brain activity in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how unusual brain activity contributes to Alzheimer’s and test ways to reverse it to help people with the condition.
-
CFDE Cloud Workspace to help researchers share and analyze data
A cloud-based workspace will let a wide range of researchers import, integrate, and analyze data from CFDE and other sources using familiar tools and workflows.
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.