Imaging electrical activity in the brain using advanced microscopy techniques
Official title: Kilohertz 3D voltage imaging using near-infrared confocal squeezed light field microscopy
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11107045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to see how brain cells communicate in 3D, using special dyes and advanced imaging techniques, which could help us understand brain function better and lead to improved treatments for neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $578,701 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142690-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11107045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that affect brain activity, such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable neurological conditions or those not experiencing significant changes in brain activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technique to visualize electrical activity in the brain in three dimensions. By utilizing advanced near-infrared voltage-sensitive dyes and light field microscopy, the study aims to capture rapid changes in neuronal activity that traditional methods cannot. This approach allows for high-speed volumetric imaging, providing a more detailed understanding of how neurons communicate and process signals. The goal is to enhance our knowledge of brain function and potentially improve treatments for neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and developing new therapies for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using advanced imaging techniques to study neuronal activity, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Liang — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Gao, Liang
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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.