How the brain's timing affects decision-making and learning
Official title: Circadian Control of the VTA: Neural and BBB Dynamics
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10947727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's internal clock affects the way we make decisions and learn, focusing on a part of the brain that helps us understand our needs, and it could help us learn more about how timing influences our choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32NS134617-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with cognitive impairments or disorders related to decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable cognitive functions and no issues related to decision-making may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's circadian rhythms influence decision-making and learning processes. It focuses on the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), which plays a crucial role in processing biological needs and behaviors. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dynamically changes to allow important signals to reach the brain during specific times. This could provide insights into how our biological clock affects our choices and learning capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cognitive functions and decision-making in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the dynamics of the blood-brain barrier and its impact on brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Kevin Lawrence — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Turner, Kevin Lawrence
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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.