December 10, 2025
New research from the UW shows drug effects in the brain
A collaboration between researchers from the University of Washington and Northwestern University has developed a novel device to deliver drugs to specific regions of the brain, while simultaneously monitoring neural activity. This device, weighing roughly the same as a paperclip, has provided many insights into how drugs affect brain function and behavior.
Led by UW postdoctoral fellow Sean C. Piantadosi, the research team developed a wireless system that combined a pump and light sensor to a brain probe. Their novel device relies on genetically engineered, fluorescent proteins which glow upon the activation of neurons. Because of this, researchers can visualize drug effects immediately. During testing, researchers found that when stimulant drugs were delivered to brain regions associated with movement control, the targeted neurons lit up, and mice began circling. This demonstrates a direct cause-and-effect relationship, a key goal of research.
This is a breakthrough in the field of neuropharmacology, as it helps determine whether drugs affect target brain areas or have indirect effects elsewhere.