How the brain connects our needs to rewards like food and drink
Neural mechanisms linking need to reward
This study is looking at how our brain connects feelings of hunger and thirst to the desire to eat and drink, which could help us understand eating habits better and find new ways to help people with eating disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904969 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that link physiological needs, such as hunger and thirst, to reward-driven behaviors like eating and drinking. By using advanced techniques for simultaneous neural recording and manipulation, the study aims to understand how the brain's dopamine system interacts with circuits that sense internal needs. The researchers will explore how these circuits communicate and how they influence learning and motivation related to food intake. This work could provide insights into the underlying processes of eating behaviors and potential interventions for eating disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing eating disorders or those interested in understanding the mechanisms of hunger and reward.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to eating behaviors or those not interested in the physiological aspects of hunger and reward may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for eating disorders and other conditions related to food intake.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding the relationship between neural circuits and reward mechanisms, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knight, Zachary a. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Knight, Zachary a.
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.