How hunger affects exploration behavior in animals
Official title: Characterizing dopaminergic systems changing exploratory behavior in hungry animals
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10997671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being hungry affects how animals explore their surroundings, focusing on specific brain cells in mice, and aims to help us understand behaviors related to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,656 |
| NIH project number | 1F30DA061675-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals affected by eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have eating disorders or related behavioral issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hunger influences the exploratory behavior of animals, particularly focusing on the neural mechanisms involved. It examines the role of hypothalamic neurons and midbrain dopaminergic neurons in modulating this behavior when food is not present. By studying mice, the research aims to understand how the state of hunger alters responses to non-caloric rewards and the underlying neural connections involved. This could provide insights into behavioral adaptations related to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms behind eating disorders, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of dopamine in behavior, but this specific approach to exploring hunger's impact on exploratory behavior is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamath, Tarun — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Kamath, Tarun
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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.