NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how ion channels affect brain activity and communication

Official title: Ion Channels in Synaptic and Neural Circuit Physiology Course (2024-2028)

Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-10887807 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is for people interested in how brain cells communicate and work together, and it offers a three-week course where you'll learn about the important role of ion channels in this process through fun lectures and hands-on lab activities.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCold Spring Harbor Laboratory
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$179,836
NIH project number1R25NS137380-01
Project IDNIH-10887807 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in neurobiology and those pursuing advanced training in neuroscience.

Less likely to help

Patients with no interest in neuroscience or those not seeking educational opportunities in this field may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on the role of ion channels in neuronal excitability and communication within the brain. It involves a three-week intensive course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where participants will learn through lectures and hands-on laboratory work about the properties of ion channels and their functions in neural circuits. The course covers various aspects, including synaptic integration, plasticity, and techniques like optogenetics and patch-clamp electrophysiology to study ion channels in real-time. This training aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to explore complex neural systems and their physiological functions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of brain function and lead to improved treatments for neurological disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Similar educational programs have successfully trained numerous researchers in neurobiology, indicating a strong precedent for the effectiveness of this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
    Cold Spring Harbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Stewart, David J. — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
  • Study coordinator: Stewart, David J.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.