Improving flexible electrodes for better spinal cord recordings
Official title: Optimizing ultraflexible electrodes and integrated electronics for high-resolution, large-scale intraspinal recording and modulation
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10900562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating super flexible electrodes that can safely record and stimulate nerve activity in the spinal cord of moving animals, which could help us better understand how the spinal cord works during movement and feeling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,428,844 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS131086-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with spinal cord injuries or conditions affecting spinal cord function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to spinal cord function or those who are not candidates for electrophysiological interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced ultraflexible electrodes that can effectively record and stimulate neurons in the spinal cord of behaving animals. The goal is to overcome the challenges posed by the spinal cord's mobility, which has made it difficult to obtain reliable electrophysiological data. By creating electrodes that can adapt to the movements of the spinal cord, researchers aim to gain insights into neuronal functions related to locomotion and sensation. This work could lead to significant advancements in understanding spinal cord activity in real-time during various behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of spinal cord functions and potentially lead to improved treatments for spinal cord injuries and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing flexible neural interfaces, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Chong — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Xie, Chong
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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.