Ultra-High Density wearable brain monitoring in real life
Official title: Expanding Inclusion of All Subjects for Ultra-High Density Wearable fNIRS in the Everyday World
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11595729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to make advanced wearable brain sensors that work in daily life to track brain activity alongside movement, perception, and communication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $827,351 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3EB036035-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who are willing to wear the UHD fNIRS system during daily activities and experiments.
✕Less likely to help
People unable to wear or tolerate wearable sensors or with conditions that interfere with signal collection may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops ultra-high density wearable fNIRS technology to monitor brain signals in real-world settings as people go about everyday activities. It focuses on improving signal quality for people with different hair textures and skin tones so everyone can be included. The team will test how well the system tracks brain activity while people move and interact, with real-time data to link brain function to behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better understanding of how the brain supports everyday actions and communication in natural environments, potentially informing diagnosis and personalized interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous HD fNIRS work showed promise but UHD wearable systems in natural settings are still being validated.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boas, David a — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Boas, David a
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.