How the Brain Shares Arousal Systems for Different Senses
Shared Subcortical Arousal Systems Across Perceptual Modalities
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11122288
This project explores how specific brain areas work together to help us become aware of sights, sounds, and touches, aiming to understand how our senses create a unified experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11122288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains process information from our senses like sight, sound, and touch in unique ways, but some core brain circuits are shared across all of them. This project looks at how deep brain regions, called subcortical arousal systems, help us quickly become aware of sensory information. We believe that a brief burst of activity in these areas helps us perceive things more clearly, no matter which sense is involved. We are using advanced brain imaging, like fMRI, to observe these shared brain responses to different sensory experiences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions affecting perception or awareness, such as certain neurological disorders, might eventually benefit from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to subcortical arousal systems or general perceptual awareness may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal basic brain circuits for normal perception and offer new targets for treatments in conditions where perception is impaired.
How similar studies have performed: Initial studies using fMRI data have shown promising shared brain activation in response to various sensory tasks, suggesting this approach has a strong foundation.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLUMENFELD, HAL — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BLUMENFELD, HAL
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.