How mice use social signals to adapt their behavior
Official title: Social Information Processing in the Vomeronasal System during Active Behavior
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11073002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how mice understand and react to social signals, like scents, to see how their brains help them interact with each other, and it's designed for anyone curious about animal behavior and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $82,744 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DC020665-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in the biological underpinnings of social behavior, particularly those with conditions affecting social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in or relevance to social behavior research may not receive any benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mice process social information and adapt their behaviors based on sensory cues, particularly pheromones. By observing freely-moving mice during social interactions, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms in the accessory olfactory bulb that influence these behaviors. Using advanced technologies like head-mounted microscopes, researchers will analyze how social signals are represented in the brain during active engagement with other mice. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between neural activity and social behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behavior mechanisms, potentially informing treatments for social behavior disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding social behavior through similar approaches, although this specific investigation into the accessory olfactory bulb is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monk, Kevin James — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Monk, Kevin James
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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.