Measuring brain activity during cognitive tasks using non-invasive techniques
Official title: The TMS-evoked potential as a measure of cortical excitation and inhibition during cognitive processes
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10931205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique can help us understand how different parts of the brain work when we’re using our memory and attention, especially focusing on an area that helps with eye movements and thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $427,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS137987-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cognitive impairments or those interested in understanding brain function related to memory and attention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological disorders or those unable to participate in cognitive tasks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-invasive brain stimulation can measure the excitability of different brain regions during cognitive processes. By applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and recording the resulting brain activity through EEG, the study aims to understand how the brain's cortical regions respond to tasks that require memory and attention. The researchers will focus on the frontal eye fields, a brain area involved in eye movements and cognitive functions, to see how its excitability changes during specific cognitive tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders by providing insights into brain function and excitability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using TMS and EEG to study brain activity, indicating that this approach is promising and has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wessel, Jan R — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Wessel, Jan R
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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.