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NIH
Releases Program Announcement for Neurotechnology Research
The National Institutes of Health in early
October released a new program announcement for Neurotechnology
Research, Development, and Enhancement. The new initiative encourages
multidisciplinary research efforts and involves several NIH institutes,
including the National Institute of Mental Health, the National
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute
of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute on Drug
Abuse, and the National Institute on Aging.
The program announcement solicits novel tools and approaches
for the study of the development, structure, and function of the
brain, including hardware, software, and wetware technologies.
The announcement cited several examples of research projects that
would be appropriate for funding, including:
MEMS devices used for monitoring neuron function in slice
and culture preparations.
Improved electrodes, microcomputer interfaces, and microcircuitry
for chronic implantation, monitoring of neural activity, and promoting
efferent function.
Tools for real-time analysis of neurophysiological events.
Biosensors that would be selectively activated by neurochemicals.
Technologies for detection, intervention, and prevention
of acute, adverse neurological events.
Tools for early-warning detection of imminent seizure activity;
application of targeted treatment to abort seizures.
Telemetry devices small and light enough to be worn by mice
for transmitting data during behavior.
Amplifiers that are small and light enough to be worn by
mice for recording neural activity from many neurons.
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