How positive and negative feelings affect learning and memory in the brain
Official title: Appetitive and aversive state interactions in the central amygdala during learning and memory
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11004043 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our feelings—both good and bad—work together in the brain to help us learn and remember things, especially when it comes to fears, and it aims to find ways to make therapy better for people dealing with anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | December 25, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,061 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135538-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004043 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety-related disorders who may benefit from enhanced therapeutic interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no anxiety-related disorders or those not experiencing significant emotional distress may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how positive and negative emotional experiences interact in the brain, particularly in the central amygdala, to influence learning and memory processes. By examining how positive feelings can affect the way we learn about threats and remember them, the study aims to improve cognitive behavioral therapies for anxiety-related disorders. The researchers will use advanced techniques to observe brain activity and neurotransmitter interactions during these processes. This could lead to a better understanding of how to enhance therapeutic approaches for individuals struggling with anxiety and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety-related disorders by improving cognitive behavioral therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of emotional states in learning and memory, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zweifel, Larry S — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Zweifel, Larry S
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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.