A new method to influence decision-making in the brain
Official title: A novel technique for selective manipulation of prefrontal computations in economic choice
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-10952602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to gently influence brain activity in a part of the brain that helps with decision-making, specifically looking at how it affects choices about money, and it's designed for researchers interested in understanding how our brains work when we make decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH137588-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing decision-making difficulties related to mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have decision-making impairments or mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel technique to selectively manipulate neural activity in the prefrontal cortex of primates, which is crucial for understanding decision-making processes. By using multi-channel electrical stimulation, the researchers aim to target specific patterns of neural activity associated with economic choices while minimizing interference with other brain functions. The study will validate this approach through a primate economic decision paradigm, observing how changes in neural activity affect decision-making behavior. This innovative method could provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying economic choices and mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for mental health conditions related to decision-making, such as depression and eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar techniques in neuroscience have shown promise in manipulating neural activity to influence behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcginty, Vincent B — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Mcginty, Vincent B
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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.