How social interactions work and go wrong in primates
A formal group theory-based model in primates for studying interactive social behavior and its dysfunction
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11296902
Researchers are mapping brain activity in monkeys during real-time social interactions to help inform future approaches for people with autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project records brain activity from pairs and small groups of primates while they interact in real time to identify the basic brain signals that support social behavior. The team combines social group theory with multi-site neuronal recordings and time-resolved brain stimulation techniques to see how interactions are represented across brain networks and over different timescales. The work aims to identify the neural building blocks of social exchange and how those building blocks break down in conditions like autism. If successful, the findings could guide later human studies and new treatment ideas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll people now; it uses primate experiments, though people with autism could be candidates for future clinical follow-up studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People seeking direct clinical benefit today should not expect personal treatment from this project because it is preclinical research in animals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal brain circuits and timing linked to social difficulties in autism, guiding future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Similar single-animal neuroscience approaches have yielded important brain-circuit insights, but applying multi-animal, group-theory methods to social behavior is relatively new and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WILLIAMS, ZIV — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: WILLIAMS, ZIV
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 below.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder