New method for monitoring brain blood flow and activity
Official title: Ultrasonic-tagged remote interferometric flowmetry for brain activity
Funded at Hunter College · NIH-10908640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy way to measure blood flow in the brain using sound waves and light, which could help doctors keep a closer eye on brain health and aging without any uncomfortable procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hunter College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035400-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cerebrovascular disorders, cognitive aging concerns, or those requiring neurointensive care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain activity or blood flow, such as purely orthopedic issues, may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel technique called ultrasonic-tagged remote interferometric flowmetry (URIF) to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the brain. Unlike traditional methods that rely on blood oxygenation levels, URIF aims to provide a more sensitive and selective way to monitor brain activity noninvasively. The approach combines optical methods with ultrasonic tagging to enhance the accuracy of brain imaging, which could be particularly beneficial for assessing cerebrovascular health and cognitive aging. Patients may benefit from continuous monitoring capabilities that are low-cost and portable, making it suitable for bedside use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring of brain health and activity, potentially enhancing diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While traditional optical methods have been used, the URIF approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Hunter College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Min — Hunter College
- Study coordinator: Xu, Min
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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.