Using ultrasound to modulate brain activity in awake primates
Official title: Effective Ultrasound Neuromodulation in the Awake Primate Brain
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10952839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how ultrasound can gently change brain activity to help treat conditions like Alzheimer's disease, using a model with monkeys to see how it works in real-time, with the hope of finding new ways to improve care for people with neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036652-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurological disorders or those who are not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of ultrasound to non-invasively modulate neural circuits in the brain, focusing on conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By targeting specific regions deep within the brain, the ultrasound can either excite or inhibit neural activity, potentially offering new treatment options for neurological disorders. The study will develop a model using nonhuman primates to measure real-time changes in brain activity following ultrasound application, aiming to establish effective treatment protocols. This approach combines advanced ultrasound technology with a detailed understanding of neural responses to optimize treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative, non-invasive treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While ultrasound neuromodulation is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in both pre-clinical and clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webb, Taylor D — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Webb, Taylor D
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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.