Understanding how brain cells affect the performance of implanted devices in the brain
Official title: Mechanisms of Oligodendrocyte Activity on Chronic Brain Implants and Recording Performance
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11093966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells react to long-term brain implants, which could help make devices that record brain activity work better and last longer for people with brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $609,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129632-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic brain injuries or conditions requiring neuroprosthetic devices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic brain injuries or those not requiring brain implants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of oligodendrocytes, a type of brain cell, in the response to chronic brain implants and how this affects the performance of devices that record brain activity. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe the changes in brain tissue around these implants over time. The goal is to improve the longevity and effectiveness of neuroprosthetic devices, which are used to help restore functions in patients with brain injuries. This research could lead to better brain-computer interfaces and improved treatments for neurological conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the performance and durability of brain implants, leading to improved outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of other glial cells in chronic brain implants, but the specific focus on oligodendrocytes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kozai, Takashi Daniel Yoshida — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kozai, Takashi Daniel Yoshida
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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.