NCS-FO: Fully Wireless Flexible Electrical-Acoustic Implant for High-Resolution Neural Stimulation and Recording at Large Scale

NSF Award Search · 01002223DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,000,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Dynamic mapping of complex brain circuits by monitoring and modulating brain activity can enhance our understanding of brain functions and provide the promise of better treatment and prevention of different neurological disorders. Interfacing with the brain also has the potential to enhance our perceptual, motor, and cognitive capabilities, as well as to restore sensory and motor functions lost through injuries or diseases. The development of closed-loop neural interfaces with high-resolution recording and stimulation capabilities from the distributed neural circuits within the entire brain is still a grand challenge of neuroscience research. Current noninvasive neuromodulation techniques still suffer from poor spatial resolution (> 100-1000’s of mm3), while implantable methods with finer resolution only provide a limited coverage of 100-1000’s of neurons through highly invasive parenchymal implantation. This integrated research and education program enables minimally invasive ultrasound neuromodulation (and neural recording) of the brain with high spatial resolution (< 200 µm) at large scale (over the whole brain). This project will yield a unique building block for a comprehensive set of neural interfaces. It will open new opportunities in neuroscience with significant improvements in spatial resolution and coverage of the brain stimulation in animals. It will also have translational potential for clinical applications in humans, such as the treatment of neurological and ps

Key facts

NSF award ID
2606423
Awardee
University of Maryland Baltimore County (MD)
SAM.gov UEI
RNKYWXURFRL5
PI
Mehdi Kiani
Primary program
01002223DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Understanding the Brain/Cognitive Scienc, BRAIN Initiative Res Support, IntgStrat Undst Neurl&Cogn Sys
Estimated total
$1,000,000
Funds obligated
$441,901
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 07/31/2027