How the brain holds information in short-term (working) memory
The Nature of Working Memory Representations
Using advanced brain scans and computer analyses, this project looks at how the brain stores short-term memories to help people with thinking and memory difficulties.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178681 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses brain imaging and new data-analysis methods to read patterns of activity that reflect what someone is holding in working memory. Researchers will record brain activity across early sensory and higher-level brain areas while people keep images or information in mind, then use computational tools to decode those patterns. The team will compare whether memory copies sensory signals or stores transformed representations at different brain levels. The long-term goal is to turn these insights into strategies that could reduce memory and thinking problems in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can undergo brain imaging and complete simple memory tasks, including people with mild memory or thinking difficulties, would be suitable participants.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI scans (for example due to metal implants or severe claustrophobia) or who cannot follow basic task instructions are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to improve working memory and lessen cognitive symptoms in disorders like dementia, schizophrenia, or traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous brain-imaging studies have successfully decoded the contents of working memory, but the exact formats of those representations across different brain areas remain unresolved and are the focus of this project.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curtis, Clayton E — New York University
- Study coordinator: Curtis, Clayton E
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.