How seasonal changes affect brain neuron flexibility
Official title: Integration of seasonal cues to modulate neuronal plasticity
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10877004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in seasons, like longer days and warmer temperatures, affect the brain's ability to adapt and change, especially in areas that control daily habits and mood, and it’s designed to help us understand how these seasonal shifts can influence behavior and brain connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $105,731 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS133470-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing mood disorders that may be influenced by seasonal changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable mood disorders not affected by seasonal variations may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how seasonal cues, such as changes in day length and temperature, influence the brain's neuronal plasticity, particularly in areas that regulate daily rhythms and dopamine levels. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover the structural and functional changes in neurons that occur in response to these seasonal cues. The project will explore how these changes affect behavior and brain connectivity, providing insights into the mechanisms behind seasonal adaptations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new understanding of how seasonal changes impact mental health and behavior, potentially informing treatments for mood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of seasonal cues and neuronal plasticity is a relatively novel area of research, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding how environmental factors influence brain function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hidalgo Sotelo, Sergio Ignacio — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Hidalgo Sotelo, Sergio Ignacio
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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.