How the development of the prefrontal cortex affects reward-seeking behavior in adolescents
Implications of Prefrontal Cortex Development for Adolescent Reward Seeking Behavior
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-10893568
This study is looking at how changes in a part of the brain called the medial prefrontal cortex during the teenage years affect how young people make decisions and seek rewards, helping us understand why they might act impulsively.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10893568 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the development of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during adolescence influences reward-seeking behavior. By examining the connections between sensory stimuli and decision-making processes, the study aims to understand why adolescents may act impulsively and struggle with optimizing rewards. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques such as chemogenetics, optogenetics, and neural calcium imaging to explore the underlying mechanisms of these behaviors. This work could provide insights into the neural changes that occur during this critical developmental period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may exhibit impulsive behaviors or challenges in reward optimization.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those who do not exhibit reward-seeking behavior may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for impulsive behaviors in adolescents, potentially improving decision-making and emotional regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding adolescent behavior through similar neurodevelopmental approaches, indicating that this line of inquiry is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MANZANO NIEVES, GABRIELA — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: MANZANO NIEVES, GABRIELA
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.