How the brain learns and unlearns paying attention to threats
Acquisition, extinction, and recall of attention biases to threat: Computational modeling and multimodal brain imaging
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11109692
This project looks at how brain and attention systems make some people—especially those with anxiety—keep focusing on scary cues and whether those patterns can be changed.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11109692 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, you'll complete a two-day learning task where neutral images are paired with unpleasant cues while researchers record your brain activity with advanced imaging tools. The team will use computer models to map how visual and attention systems form, generalize, and later recall or extinguish these threat-focused attention patterns. They'll also measure bodily reactions like heart rate to see who shows stronger fear responses. Findings aim to link individual brain and body patterns with the tendency to develop long-lasting fear or anxiety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with heightened fear or anxiety, or healthy volunteers willing to undergo brief conditioning tasks and brain imaging over two days.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate therapy or those who cannot have an MRI (for example, due to metal implants or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain-based markers of persistent fear that help guide more targeted prevention or treatment approaches for anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work supports fear conditioning and amygdala involvement, but using multimodal brain imaging together with computational models of attention biases in humans is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DING, MINGZHOU — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: DING, MINGZHOU
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.