Investigating a new approach to restore vision in blind individuals using flexible electrodes.
Official title: Longitudinal neuronal and behavioral responses to microstimulation of LGN by ultraflexible electrodes
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11049749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new device to help people who are blind see again by using special flexible electrodes to connect with a part of the brain, aiming to give them a better view of the world and more independence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,025 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036094-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are blind due to conditions that prevent the use of traditional retinal prostheses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact retinal function or those whose blindness is not related to the visual pathways targeted by this research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel visual prosthesis aimed at restoring sight for individuals who are blind. By utilizing ultraflexible electrodes to interface with the lateral geniculus nucleus (LGN) in the brain, the project seeks to overcome the limitations of current visual prosthetic devices. The approach involves bioengineering techniques to create a device that can provide a broader visual field and better tissue compatibility for long-term use. Patients may benefit from improved visual perception and autonomy through this innovative technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for blind individuals by restoring their visual function.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in retinal and cortical prostheses, this specific approach using ultraflexible electrodes in the LGN is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luan, Lan — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Luan, Lan
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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.