Using advanced freezing techniques to study brain cells in Alzheimer's and other mental health conditions
Official title: Acquisition of a Leica high pressure freezer for the cryo-based electron microscopy techniques
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10947308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about getting a special freezer to help scientists at Vanderbilt University take better pictures of brain cells, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and other brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,638 |
| NIH project number | 1S10MH137068-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other related neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those not diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on acquiring a high-pressure freezer to prepare samples for electron microscopy, which will help scientists at the Vanderbilt Brain Institute study brain cells and their communication in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By freezing samples quickly, researchers can capture detailed images of neuronal processes, allowing for a better understanding of how these cells function and interact. The findings from this research could lead to advancements in treatments for various psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The work will be conducted by a team of experts at Vanderbilt University and its medical center, utilizing state-of-the-art microscopy techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success using advanced microscopy techniques to study brain cells, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krystofiak, Evan — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Krystofiak, Evan
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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.