How primates navigate and explore their environment

Spatial exploration and navigation in the primate hippocampus

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-10876456

This study looks at how marmoset monkeys use their brains to find their way around and remember where things are, helping us understand how they navigate their world while searching for food.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10876456 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the hippocampus in primates, specifically marmoset monkeys, encodes spatial information during navigation and exploration. By examining both visual cues and self-positioning, the study aims to understand the neural mechanisms that allow primates to navigate their surroundings effectively. The researchers will utilize innovative techniques to analyze how these animals behave in naturalistic 3D environments while searching for food, providing insights into their spatial awareness and navigation strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting spatial navigation or memory.

Not a fit: Patients with no cognitive or neurological conditions related to spatial awareness may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of spatial navigation in primates, which may have implications for treating spatial awareness disorders in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on spatial navigation in rodents have shown success, but this research focuses on primates, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.