How Winning and Losing Affect Brain Activity and Aggression
The Neural Mechanisms of Winner and Loser Effect
This research explores how experiences of winning and losing change brain activity, which then affects how aggressive an individual might be.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124090 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that aggression is a natural behavior seen in many animals, including people, and that how aggressive someone is can change based on their past experiences. For example, winning often makes someone more aggressive, while losing can make them less so. This project aims to understand the brain's wiring and cell communication that causes these changes in aggressive behavior. By studying the brain circuits involved in aggression in male mice, we hope to uncover how winning and losing experiences alter brain cell activity and readiness to act aggressively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve human patients, but future studies building on this knowledge may seek individuals experiencing issues with aggression or related behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing issues related to aggression or social behavior would likely not see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us better understand the biological roots of aggressive behaviors in humans, potentially leading to new ways to manage or treat conditions involving excessive aggression.
How similar studies have performed: While hormonal aspects of winning and losing effects are known, the specific neural mechanisms explored in this project are less understood, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Dayu — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lin, Dayu
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.