Investigating brain activity and changes related to learning and addiction.
Official title: Multiplex Imaging of Brain Activity and Plasticity with Optimized FRET/FLIM-based Sensors
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11005061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about exploring how our brain's connections change when we learn new things or deal with challenges like addiction, using special tools to see what's happening in real-time, so we can better understand how our brains work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $958,817 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS128655-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to addiction or those interested in the mechanisms of learning and memory.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those not able to participate in behavioral tasks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how neuronal circuits in the brain adapt and change, which is crucial for learning, memory, and conditions like addiction. By developing advanced sensors that can measure brain activity and biochemical signals in real-time, the research aims to visualize these processes in living brains. The approach involves using innovative imaging techniques to track changes in neuronal activity during specific tasks, providing insights into how the brain functions and responds to various stimuli.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for addiction and other neurological conditions by enhancing our understanding of brain plasticity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to study brain activity and plasticity, indicating a strong potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dombeck, Daniel a — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Dombeck, Daniel a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how language and social communication work in FMR1-related autism risks
A small, patient-friendly study looks at why people with FMR1 gene changes may have pragmatic language difficulties, which are common in autism and related conditions.
-
Transformative patient navigation interventions for cancer care in diverse communities
A nationwide cancer center is testing new, community-driven ways to help people with cancer navigate care and information, especially where access is challenging.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Point-of-care AQP4 antibody test to diagnose NMO in low-resource settings
A low-cost, mail-in dried-blood-spot test is being studied to diagnose neuromyelitis optica in people who live far from big labs or in low-income countries.
-
Supercomputer models to understand how human motor signals reach muscles
A computer-based effort uses human motoneuron models to figure out the exact mix of inputs that control muscle activity.
-
Negotiation training to help Alzheimer’s caregivers communicate with care teams
A program called NegotiAge helps families caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease learn better negotiation skills to talk with doctors, insurers, and other caregivers.
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.