How the brain represents what you value
Neuronal and theoretical analysis of subjective value representations
Researchers are using tiny worms and mathematical models to learn how brains make value-based choices so future treatments might help people with addiction, brain injury, or cognitive problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235107 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The lab uses the simple nematode worm C. elegans together with mathematical and neural analyses to understand how subjective value is represented. Tiny microfluidic devices present worms with choices (for example, higher- versus lower-quality food) while neural activity and genes are monitored. By applying rigorous economic tests and comparing neural signals to theory, the team aims to uncover core principles of decision-making that could apply across species. This is basic laboratory research conducted at the University of Oregon and does not enroll patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it is laboratory research aimed at helping people with addictions, cognitive deficits, or decision-making problems in the future.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment will not receive direct benefit because the grant funds basic research in worms rather than a patient trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal basic brain mechanisms behind poor decision-making and guide new approaches to treating addiction and cognitive deficits after brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and theoretical studies have identified neural correlates of choice before, but applying rigorous economic tests to nematodes and linking those results to neural circuitry is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Eugene, United States
- University of Oregon — Eugene, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lockery, Shawn R — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Lockery, Shawn R
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.