How the brain adapts after losing a partner
The neuromolecular basis of adaptation to bond loss
Researchers are looking at brain and molecular changes after partner loss to learn why some people recover while others have long-lasting grief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285495 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've lost a partner, this project uses monogamous prairie voles as a model to learn what happens in the brain during recovery. The team compares bonded voles to those separated from their partner and tracks behavior and gene activity over time. They will identify which neurons respond to partner interaction and how those cells change with time apart. Finally, they will test whether removing partner-active neurons changes how bonds fade, to reveal mechanisms that help or hinder recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have lost a long-term romantic partner and are experiencing prolonged or intense grief are the group this research aims to inform.
Not a fit: People grieving non-partner losses or those who are recovering well are less likely to see direct benefit from this animal-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could point to new targets for therapies or supports to help people recover after the loss of a partner.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work with prairie voles has successfully modeled pair bonding and separation-related behaviors, though turning those findings into human treatments is still early.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donaldson, Zoe Rebecca — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Donaldson, Zoe Rebecca
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.