How brains sync during social interaction
Dynamic entanglements: the functional role and mechanistic basis of inter-individual neural synchrony
['FUNDING_U01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11375221
Researchers are developing new tools to record and gently change brain activity in interacting animals to learn how shared brain signals support social connection and behavior.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11375221 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses advanced genetic and light-based methods to record brain activity from multiple animals at the same time, wirelessly and during natural interactions. The team will try forcing brain rhythms to line up across animals to see if that causes changes in social bonding and behavior. They will also map the specific cells and chemical signals that help brains synchronize. Although the work is done in rodents in a lab, the goal is to shed light on human social behavior and its differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with social communication differences or difficulties forming social bonds (for example some autistic individuals or those with social anxiety) who want to follow research toward new therapies might be most interested, although this project currently uses animal models and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: Anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct therapeutic benefit should not expect to gain from this basic animal research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve our understanding of social behavior and point toward new ways to help people with social communication or attachment difficulties.
How similar studies have performed: Past studies have observed synchronized brain activity during social interaction, but using wireless, multi-animal causal control and the specific molecular tools proposed here is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOZOROVITSKIY, YEVGENIA — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KOZOROVITSKIY, YEVGENIA
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.