Using light therapy to protect the brain after injury
Official title: Mitochondrial Modulation Therapy After Brain Trauma
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11108309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using special light therapy might help protect brain cells after a head injury, with the hope of finding a new way to improve recovery and reduce long-term effects for people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $587,521 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142271-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently suffered a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic brain injuries or those who do not have a recent history of traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how near-infrared light therapy can help protect brain cells after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The approach focuses on understanding the role of mitochondria in brain cell damage and how specific wavelengths of light can inhibit harmful processes that lead to cell death. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to develop a novel treatment that could reduce the long-term effects of brain trauma. Patients may be monitored for changes in their neurological function and overall recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using light therapy for neurological protection, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wider, Joseph — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wider, Joseph
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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.