New imaging technology to observe brain activity in freely moving animals
Official title: Synthetic mesoscope to image large-scale neural activity with near-single-cell resolution in freely-behaving animals
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11113909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a small, advanced camera that can watch how different parts of the brain work together while animals move around and act naturally, helping us learn more about brain function and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,076 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133924-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with neurological conditions or cognitive impairments that affect brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain function or those who are not suitable for animal model studies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a miniaturized imaging device that can capture neural activity across multiple brain regions in real-time while animals behave naturally. The device aims to achieve high-resolution imaging over a large area of the brain, which is crucial for understanding how different brain regions coordinate to support cognitive functions. By utilizing advanced optical methods and computational algorithms, the researchers hope to overcome limitations of existing imaging technologies. This innovative approach could provide insights into brain function and behavior in a way that has not been possible before.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and the mechanisms underlying cognitive behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain activity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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
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.