New technology for measuring brain signals and chemicals quickly
Official title: Multimodal MEAs for Parallel Electrical Recording and Sub-second Neuromodulator Sensing
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11027222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tiny devices that can listen to brain signals and check for important chemicals at the same time, helping us learn more about how the brain works during different activities, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $517,546 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139342-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuromodulation or brain signal processing may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced microelectrode arrays (MEAs) that can simultaneously record electrical signals and detect neuromodulators in the brain in real-time. By improving the stability of carbon coatings on these electrodes, the team aims to create a device that can provide detailed insights into brain activity and chemical changes during various behaviors. The research involves testing these devices in awake rodent models to understand the relationship between brain oscillations and neurotransmitter release. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions like ADHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain function and lead to improved treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar technologies for neuromodulator sensing, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Hui — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Fang, Hui
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.