New imaging technology to study how sex hormones affect pain processing
Official title: Novel neural activity imaging platform to discern sex hormone control of sexually dimorphic pain processing
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11018376 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sex hormones affect how men and women experience pain differently, using a special imaging tool to see how brain cells react to pain, with the goal of finding better treatments that work for each sex.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $235,261 |
| NIH project number | 1P20GM156674-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018376 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who experience chronic or neuropathic pain and are interested in understanding the role of sex hormones in their pain processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic or neuropathic pain or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sex hormones influence pain processing differently in males and females. By using a novel imaging platform called MINDMAP, the study aims to analyze neural activity at a single-cell level, allowing researchers to identify how different types of neurons respond to pain stimuli. This approach seeks to uncover the structural and functional differences in pain systems between sexes, which could lead to more effective, sex-specific pain treatments. The research addresses a significant gap in understanding female physiology and its implications for chronic pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective pain management therapies tailored specifically for women.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using advanced imaging technology for pain research is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding sex differences in other physiological processes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keeler, Austin — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Keeler, Austin
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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.