How animals' internal clocks influence their behavior
Official title: Circadian output mechanisms in nocturnal and diurnal animals
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-10892220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the body's internal clock influences daily habits like eating and mating in animals, and it's for anyone curious about how our brains help us keep a routine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $375,416 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151020-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing circadian rhythm sleep disorders or related affective disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to circadian rhythms or those not experiencing any sleep or behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the internal circadian clocks of animals affect their behaviors related to daily activities such as eating and mating. By studying the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which regulates these rhythms, the researchers aim to understand how signals from the SCN interact with other brain cells to produce various behavioral patterns. The project will utilize advanced techniques, including genomic editing, to explore the molecular and neuronal mechanisms that contribute to these rhythms over a five-year period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how circadian rhythms affect health and behavior, potentially informing treatments for sleep disorders and other related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding circadian rhythms and their impact on behavior, indicating that this approach is grounded in established scientific principles.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Jeffrey R — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Jones, Jeffrey R
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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.