Understanding how brain cells process information
Official title: Measuring input-output operations of cortical neurons with large-scale neurotransmitter imaging
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-10687664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells work together to send signals, which is important for understanding how our brains function, and it aims to help improve treatments for brain-related issues by studying these processes in mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,385,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2NS136990-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with neurological disorders or those interested in advanced treatments for brain-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neuronal function or those not seeking innovative neurological treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neurons in the brain combine various signals to produce outputs, which is crucial for understanding brain function. By using advanced imaging techniques and genetically encoded neurotransmitter indicators, the study aims to measure the activity of thousands of synaptic inputs and outputs in individual neurons. This approach will help clarify how neurons contribute to overall brain activity, which could lead to improved medical interventions, particularly in developing brain-machine interfaces. The research will be conducted in behaving mice to provide insights that are more applicable to human conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in brain-machine interfaces and other therapies for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using genetically encoded indicators is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of neuroscience, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Podgorski, Kaspar — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Podgorski, Kaspar
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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.