New tools for recording brain activity across different regions
Official title: Neural Recording and Simulation Tools to Address the Mesoscale Gap
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10739544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that helps scientists better understand how the brain works by recording its activity more clearly, and it's designed for researchers who study brain function, especially in hearing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $4,486,816 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS133972-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with auditory processing disorders or other neurological conditions that affect brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to auditory processing or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative tools to record brain activity at multiple scales, specifically using a new device called DISC. This device employs an array of microelectrodes designed to enhance signal quality and improve the measurement of local field potentials in the brain. By addressing manufacturing challenges and creating a biophysical model to predict voltage outputs, the research aims to provide clearer insights into brain function. The effectiveness of these tools will be validated through experiments on chronic rat and macaque models, particularly in the auditory system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate brain recordings, improving our understanding of brain function and potentially enhancing treatments for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced recording techniques in neuroscience, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seymour, John P — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Seymour, John P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.