Understanding blast injuries to the brain using a simple worm model
Official title: Investigating blast-related overpressure injury and recovery at the neuronal, structural, and behavioral levels
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11360972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are testing how blast waves damage the brain and how recovery happens, using a tiny worm to study nerve activity, brain cells, and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $554,927 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS149158-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals who have or are at risk for blast-related brain injury, particularly military personnel or civilians exposed to overpressure events.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to blast overpressure or without neurological symptoms may see limited relevance to them.
What this research studies
This project uses a reproducible blast-overpressure model in C. elegans to watch real-time brain activity and behavior after exposure. It aims to map how neural hyperactivity, oxidative stress, and inflammation unfold after injury and how they relate to recovery. The study design allows precise control of blast pressure and in vivo measurements, which could reveal targets for future therapies. Although conducted in a worm, the work is intended to inform understanding of blast-related brain injury that also affects humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify key mechanisms and potential targets to develop neuroprotective strategies for blast-related brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models and studies in simpler organisms have helped uncover general neurobiological principles that can translate to mammals, though this exact worm model is novel for bTBI.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albrecht, Dirk R. — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Albrecht, Dirk R.
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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.