How the Brain Makes Choices About What We Like
Neuronal Mechanisms of Good-Based Economic Decisions
This research explores how our brains make choices about what we like, which could help us understand conditions like depression or addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Mental disorders such as frontotemporal dementia, major depression, and drug addiction can disrupt how people make choices. This project aims to understand the brain processes behind these choices to shed light on these conditions and pave the way for new treatments. Previous work has shown that a brain area called the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is important for making decisions, with specific brain cells responding to different options. We still need to learn where and how the brain compares options and calculates their value, and if other areas like the amygdala are also involved. This work seeks to answer these fundamental questions about how our brains decide what we prefer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals living with conditions that affect decision-making, such as frontotemporal dementia, major depression, or drug addiction, in the future.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions affecting decision-making may not directly benefit from this specific basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how the brain makes decisions could lead to new ways to help people with conditions like frontotemporal dementia, major depression, or drug addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has made significant progress in linking economic choices to specific brain regions and cell activities, laying a strong foundation for this ongoing work.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Padoa-Schioppa, Camillo — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Padoa-Schioppa, Camillo
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.