Using special materials to control brain activity with sound
Official title: Mechanoluminescent nanomaterials for optogenetic neuromodulation
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10846840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new materials that use sound waves to safely activate brain cells, which could help scientists better control neurons with light and improve treatments for conditions that affect thinking and movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $281,240 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034806-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neurological diseases or disorders that affect cognitive, sensory, or motor functions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those who do not have access to the required technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative materials that can activate brain cells non-invasively using sound waves. By creating a new type of mechanoluminescent material, the project aims to enhance optogenetic techniques, which allow scientists to control neurons with light. The approach involves synthesizing unique nanomaterials that can effectively modulate neural circuits, potentially leading to better treatments for neurological disorders. Patients may benefit from advancements in understanding and treating conditions affecting cognitive and motor functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, less invasive treatments for neurological disorders, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using optogenetic techniques for neural modulation, but this specific approach with mechanoluminescent materials is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nam, Jin — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Nam, Jin
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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.