How macaques learn and remember in complex environments

Hippocampo-cortical contributions to world building in freely behaving macaques

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-10694611

This study is looking at how macaque monkeys learn in tricky situations and how different parts of their brains help them remember things, which could give us new insights into how memory works in primates.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10694611 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how macaques adapt their learning strategies in complex environments by examining the roles of the hippocampus and neocortex in memory formation. Using advanced wireless recording techniques, the study will observe macaques as they learn rules about objects in a realistic setting. The goal is to determine if there are distinct differences in how different parts of the hippocampus contribute to episodic and category learning, which could reshape our understanding of memory processes in primates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with memory impairments or those interested in cognitive function and learning strategies.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to memory or cognitive function may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of memory processes, potentially leading to improved treatments for memory-related conditions in humans.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on memory in rodents, this approach in primates is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.