Real-Time Mitochondrial Temperature Technique for Alzheimer's Disease
Official title: Real-Time Measurement of Mitochondrial Temperature with Fluorescent Nanodiamond
Funded at Adamas Nanotechnologies, INC. · NIH-11409243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny, advanced imaging method is being tested to measure the temperature of mitochondria in cells, which may reveal new signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adamas Nanotechnologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,872 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM165231-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable until later stages; initially uses cellular models relevant to Alzheimer’s biology.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research with no immediate clinical benefit for patients.
What this research studies
This project aims to test a new way to monitor how hot mitochondria are inside cells using fluorescent nanodiamonds and a sensitive camera. By observing mitochondrial temperature in real time, researchers hope to learn more about how energy production changes in Alzheimer’s disease. The work focuses on feasibility and initial proof-of-concept in cells likely related to neurodegenerative conditions. If successful, it could pave the way for new biomarkers and targets for treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new biomarker for mitochondrial health in Alzheimer's and guide future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows mitochondrial dynamics and temperature are linked to disease states, but this approach is novel in its use of NV centers with wide-field temperature monitoring.
Where this research is happening
-
Adamas Nanotechnologies, INC.
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nunn, Nicholas — Adamas Nanotechnologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nunn, Nicholas
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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.