Making biochemistry tools accessible for people with blindness
Official title: Creating tools to make experimental biochemistry accessible to people with blindness
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11145227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating helpful tools for people who are blind or have low vision so they can do experiments in biochemistry on their own, especially to learn more about conditions like ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $546,893 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036371-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have blindness or low vision and are interested in biochemistry.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have blindness or low vision may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop assistive technologies that enable individuals with blindness and low vision to engage in experimental biochemistry. By incorporating universal design principles, the project will create accessible tools and techniques, such as 3D-printed devices that allow blind researchers to perform tasks like loading gels and conducting biochemical reactions independently. The research will also explore the use of these tools to investigate important biomedical questions, particularly related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower individuals with blindness to actively participate in scientific research and contribute to advancements in biochemistry.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of making biochemistry tools accessible is innovative, similar efforts in other fields have shown promise in enhancing participation for individuals with disabilities.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Bryan F. — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Bryan F.
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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.