High-density brain sensors that record electrical activity and rapid chemical signals like dopamine
Multimodal MEAs for Parallel Electrical Recording and Sub-second Neuromodulator Sensing
This project builds tiny brain sensors that record both electrical signals and fast chemical changes to help us learn more about ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating small, high-density microelectrode arrays that combine standard electrical recording with fast chemical sensing to detect neuromodulators like dopamine. They use a special electroplated carbon coating and low-temperature annealing to make the electrodes stable enough for sub-second chemical measurements using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. The team will optimize and benchmark these probes and test them in behaving animal models to link chemical release with brain electrical patterns. Their goal is to validate the technology so future studies can use it to study disorders such as ADHD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ADHD or those interested in research on brain chemicals and attention may find this work relevant, although the current studies are performed in animals.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial are unlikely to benefit from this preclinical, animal-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could reveal how rapid chemical signals and brain rhythms interact in ADHD and help guide new diagnostic tools or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Carbon fiber electrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry have shown success in animal studies, but integrating these measurements into dense microelectrode arrays is a novel advance.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Hui — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Fang, Hui
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.