Improving how electrical stimulation affects nerve cells
Engineering the Neuronal Response to Electrical Microstimulation
This study is working on improving a special technology that uses tiny electrical signals to help control nerve cells, which could lead to better treatments for people with neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the technology used to stimulate nerve cells through electrical microstimulation. By optimizing microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and ultra-microelectrode arrays (UMEAs), the project aims to control neural activity with high precision and safety. The approach combines computational modeling and engineering techniques to develop tools that can selectively activate specific neural elements without causing damage. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatments for neurological conditions as a result of this innovative work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with neurological conditions that could be treated with electrical stimulation therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve nerve cell stimulation or those who are not candidates for electrical stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for various neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using electrical stimulation for neural modulation, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Otto, Kevin J. — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Otto, Kevin J.
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.