New microscopy technique to measure cell mechanics
Official title: High-Throughput Pulsed Stimulated Brillouin Microscopy for Cell Biomechanics
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11023487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to look at cells using light, which helps us understand how they react to pressure without harming them, and it’s designed for researchers who want to learn more about how cells work in different health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,451 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM157084-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect cell mechanics, such as cancer or age-related diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve significant changes in cell mechanics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel optical microscopy method that can non-invasively measure the mechanical properties of cells. By using pulsed Stimulated Brillouin scattering, the technique aims to provide high-resolution insights into how cells respond to mechanical stimuli without disturbing them. The goal is to enhance the speed and accuracy of biomechanical assessments, which could lead to better understanding of various biological processes and conditions. This innovative approach seeks to overcome limitations of current methods that are often invasive or only provide limited information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by providing deeper insights into cell mechanics and their role in health and disease.
How similar studies have gone: While Brillouin microscopy has shown promise in specific fields like ophthalmology and tumor biology, this particular application in cell biomechanics is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scarcelli, Giuliano — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Scarcelli, Giuliano
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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.