Developing advanced optical tools to study brain function
Official title: C5: Optical Instrumentation
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-10900703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about using special tools to watch how the brain works while animals make decisions and remember things, which could help scientists find new ways to treat memory problems in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $359,560 |
| NIH project number | 5U19NS132720-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with cognitive impairments or neurological conditions affecting memory and decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and enhancing optical instruments that allow scientists to observe and manipulate brain activity in real-time. By utilizing advanced technologies like two-photon and three-photon microscopes, the project aims to investigate how different neurons and brain regions work together to support memory and decision-making. The research involves using these tools in conjunction with virtual-reality environments to study animal behavior, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes. Patients may benefit indirectly from the findings as they could lead to new treatments for cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating cognitive disorders related to memory and decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research utilizing advanced optical instrumentation has shown promising results in understanding brain function, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tank, David W — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Tank, David W
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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.