Investigating brain activity in freely moving mice using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Simultaneous two-photon imaging and two-photon manipulation of neural activity in freely behaving mice
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10993452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool that helps scientists see and interact with brain activity in mice while they move around, which will help us learn more about how their brains work during everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,831 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB035306-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with neurological conditions or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural activity 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 developing a new type of miniscope that allows for simultaneous two-photon imaging and manipulation of neural activity in mice as they move freely. By utilizing advanced optical techniques, the study aims to achieve deeper tissue imaging and higher spatial specificity compared to existing methods. This approach will enable researchers to better understand the neural circuits involved in natural behaviors. The project combines innovative engineering with neuroscience to explore complex brain functions in real-time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and behavior, potentially informing treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using one-photon imaging techniques has shown success, but this two-photon approach is relatively novel and untested in this specific application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Weijian — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Yang, Weijian
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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.