Investigating brain activity in rats using flexible electrode probes
Official title: Capturing large-scale locus coeruleus single neuron activity in behaving rats with nanoelectronic threads (NETs), an ultra-flexible multi-electrode probe
Funded at University of Helsinki · NIH-10300345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in rats help with attention and alertness by using special tiny sensors to watch their activity, which could help us understand more about mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Helsinki NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Helsinki, Finland) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $422,943 |
| NIH project number | 1R34NS123876-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10300345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals with mental health disorders or cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or those not experiencing mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific group of neurons in the brainstem, known as the locus coeruleus, influences cognitive functions by recording their activity in freely moving rats. The researchers will use innovative ultra-flexible multi-electrode probes, called nanoelectronic threads (NETs), to capture detailed neuron activity over extended periods. By implanting these probes, they aim to observe how these neurons behave in real-time and how they affect attention and arousal in the animals. This approach could provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for mental health disorders by enhancing our understanding of brain function.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized similar advanced recording techniques in neuroscience, suggesting potential for impactful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Totah, Nelson — University of Helsinki
- Study coordinator: Totah, Nelson
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.