New technology to measure metals in human bones without surgery
Official title: Highly Sensitive Novel Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) Technology to Quantify Multiple Metals in Human Bone In Vivo
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11143667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to safely measure metal levels in bones without any surgery, which could help us understand how metal exposure affects health over time, and patients may help us make this technology better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,502 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM152915-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with potential metal exposure or those experiencing symptoms related to metal toxicity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of metal exposure or related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel technology called in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) to non-invasively measure the levels of various metals in human bones. By accurately quantifying metal body burden, the research aims to better understand the long-term health effects of metal exposure, which can lead to diseases over time. The project will address technical challenges to ensure the technology is sensitive and reproducible for real-world applications, ultimately benefiting broader communities. Patients may be involved in the validation process of this technology, which could lead to improved diagnostic methods for metal-related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring metal toxicity in patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using neutron activation analysis is established, the specific application to non-invasively measure metals in human bones is innovative and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nie, Linda H — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Nie, Linda H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
-
Targeting how RMS cells fail to mature to slow or stop pediatric muscle cancer spread
A project to understand why a pediatric muscle cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma spreads, and to test ideas that could slow or stop it by helping cancer cells mature properly.
-
Risk stratification of malaria in school-age children using mobile eye-based spectroscopy
A low-cost, phone-based method uses pictures of the inner eyelid to identify which children in high-risk areas should get malaria tests.
-
Dual-AAV gene replacement approach for SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders
A gene therapy approach using two AAV vectors to restore SCN2A function in children with SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
Personalized use of newer diabetes medicines for Type 2 diabetes
Aiming to tailor use of newer glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes to improve health and access in real-world settings.
-
Intelligent social risk management for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Aimed at people living with dementia, this project uses AI and real-world health data to identify and address social factors that affect their care and quality of life.
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.