Boosting brain activity to improve thinking skills
Improving cognition by understanding and harnessing the plasticity of gamma-generating circuits in prefrontal cortex
This project explores how specific brain rhythms, called gamma waves, can be adjusted to help people with thinking difficulties, such as those seen in schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains use electrical signals, or 'gamma waves,' to help us think clearly, and we've found that these waves can be strengthened or weakened. When these waves are disrupted, it can lead to problems with memory and focus, similar to what happens in conditions like schizophrenia. This work aims to understand how these brain waves can be changed and what specific brain cells and connections are involved. By learning how to control these rhythms, we hope to find new ways to restore healthy thinking abilities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with cognitive deficits, particularly those associated with conditions like schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients without cognitive deficits or those whose conditions are unrelated to gamma wave activity may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve memory, focus, and other thinking skills for individuals experiencing cognitive deficits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that disrupting gamma synchrony can cause cognitive deficits, and manipulating it can lead to lasting changes in both brain activity and cognition, suggesting a promising direction.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sohal, Vikaas Singh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sohal, Vikaas Singh
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 below.