Understanding how brain circuits work during movement in animals
Official title: Massively scalable 3D electrophysiology and two-photon imaging in freely-moving animals
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-10687565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain helps animals move and understand their surroundings by using special technology to record brain activity while they are awake and free to explore.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,304,216 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2MH136494-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are those interested in neuroscience, particularly in how brain activity relates to behavior in animals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in animal studies or those with conditions unrelated to neural circuit function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neural circuits in the brain encode and facilitate behaviors in freely moving animals. By developing advanced technology that combines high-density electrical recordings and two-photon imaging, the researchers aim to capture the brain's electrical activity and its spatial organization simultaneously. This approach allows for a better understanding of how animals process sensory information while they move, which is crucial for forming accurate perceptions of their environment. The study focuses on awake, behaving animals to provide insights that are often missed in traditional head-fixed setups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and behavior, potentially informing treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of combining high-density electrophysiology with two-photon imaging is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jayant, Krishna — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Jayant, Krishna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
-
Targeting how RMS cells fail to mature to slow or stop pediatric muscle cancer spread
A project to understand why a pediatric muscle cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma spreads, and to test ideas that could slow or stop it by helping cancer cells mature properly.
-
Risk stratification of malaria in school-age children using mobile eye-based spectroscopy
A low-cost, phone-based method uses pictures of the inner eyelid to identify which children in high-risk areas should get malaria tests.
-
Dual-AAV gene replacement approach for SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders
A gene therapy approach using two AAV vectors to restore SCN2A function in children with SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
Personalized use of newer diabetes medicines for Type 2 diabetes
Aiming to tailor use of newer glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes to improve health and access in real-world settings.
-
Intelligent social risk management for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Aimed at people living with dementia, this project uses AI and real-world health data to identify and address social factors that affect their care and quality of life.
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.