Understanding how electrical stimulation affects brain activity
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Transcranial Current Stimulation
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-10795728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle electrical stimulation on the scalp can change brain activity in awake mice, which could help improve treatments for people with brain conditions in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $599,787 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS120289-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neurological conditions such as depression or epilepsy who may benefit from neuromodulation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain activity modulation or those who do not respond to electrical stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of transcranial current stimulation (TCS) on brain activity by using advanced imaging techniques in awake mice. By placing electrodes on the scalp, TCS creates small electrical fields that can modulate neural activity. The study aims to uncover the specific neural changes induced by TCS, focusing on different cell types and layers in the brain. This knowledge could help refine TCS techniques for clinical applications, making them more effective and targeted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved neuromodulation therapies for conditions like depression and epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using transcranial stimulation techniques, but this study aims to provide deeper insights into the underlying neural mechanisms, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krekelberg, Bart — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Krekelberg, Bart
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.