Improving imaging techniques to study brain circuits
Official title: Advanced Nonlinear Imaging
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10930315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving a special imaging technique to see deeper into the brain, which could help scientists understand how brain circuits work and lead to better treatments for neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $163,516 |
| NIH project number | 1U19NS137920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that affect brain circuitry, such as motor disorders or cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain circuitry or those who do not have access to advanced imaging technologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) to better visualize neuronal circuits in the brain. By overcoming the limitations of traditional TPLSM, which can only penetrate about 400 micrometers into brain tissue, this project aims to develop advanced imaging techniques that allow for deeper exploration of brain structures. The approach involves using adaptive optics to improve image quality and resolution, enabling researchers to study complex brain functions and interactions more effectively. Patients may benefit from insights gained into brain circuitry that could inform future treatments for neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and potentially improve treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain function, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Rui — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Liu, Rui
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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.