NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Non-Invasive Dysphagia Detection for Preterm Infants

Official title: A Novel Non-Invasive Method of Dysphagia Detection in Preterm Infants: Bottle Finalization & Validation

Funded at Nuborn Medical, INC. · NIH-11392556 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new non-invasive tool analyzes a premature baby’s bottle feeding behavior to detect swallowing difficulties early.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNuborn Medical, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Eden Prairie, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 16, 2020
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,008,475
NIH project number5R42HD104305-04
Project IDNIH-11392556 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Premature infants (born before 37 weeks gestation) who require feeding assessments in clinical Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Less likely to help

Infants without feeding or swallowing difficulties may not benefit from this device.

What this research studies

This project focuses on using a smart bottle to objectively assess an infant’s sucking and swallowing non-invasively, aiming to identify dysphagia earlier than current methods. It seeks to reduce reliance on radiation-based tests and improve decision-making about feeding interventions. If successful, it could shorten hospital stays and improve health outcomes for preterm babies and their families.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Potentially faster, safer identification of feeding problems leading to better treatments and shorter hospital stays for preterm infants.

How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches show promise for non-invasive feeding assessment, but this tool offers objective metrics via a smart bottle.

Where this research is happening

  • Nuborn Medical, INC.
    Eden Prairie, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mcgrattan, Katlyn Elizabeth — Nuborn Medical, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Mcgrattan, Katlyn Elizabeth

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.