Investigating how the brain processes pain using targeted heating techniques
Official title: Psychophysical distillation of pure pain by nociceptive-specific heating
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10846260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our bodies process pain by using special tests and brain scans, and it’s designed for people with chronic pain to help understand their pain better and find new ways to measure it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,314,276 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2NS140735-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who experience chronic pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not suffer from chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding pain processing mechanisms by using advanced techniques like quantitative sensory testing (QST) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study aims to selectively stimulate nociceptors, which are responsible for sensing pain, by applying noxious heat to specific areas of skin that lack innocuous warmth receptors. This approach allows researchers to obtain unbiased measures of pain sensitivity and to observe pure brain activations related to pain. By developing computerized visual analogue scales, the research also aims to assess real-time changes in perceived pain, providing deeper insights into chronic pain conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of chronic pain conditions, enhancing patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted stimulation techniques to better understand pain mechanisms, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harper, Daniel Elliott — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Harper, Daniel Elliott
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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.