How the human brain forms memories quickly
Human hippocampal contributions to rapid encoding-retrieval interactions during memory formation
This project aims to better understand how the human brain, specifically the hippocampus, helps us form new memories, especially for people with memory challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132672 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with conditions like epilepsy, brain injury, or PTSD experience difficulties with memory. This project focuses on how a part of the brain called the hippocampus works with other brain areas to create new memories. We want to learn more about how the hippocampus helps us take in information from our surroundings and turn it into lasting memories. By understanding these basic processes, we hope to pave the way for new ways to help people with memory problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals experiencing memory impairment due to neurological or psychiatric disorders affecting the hippocampus, such as epilepsy, brain injury, neurodegeneration, schizophrenia, or PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients without memory impairment or conditions affecting the hippocampus may not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of memory formation, which is essential for developing new treatments for memory loss caused by various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the hippocampus's role in memory is well-established, this project tests a specific, less understood hypothesis about its real-time involvement during active memory formation.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Voss, Joel L — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Voss, Joel L
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.