Investigating how brain circuits influence decision-making
Official title: CRCNS: Using Perturbations and Modeling to Study Connectivity for Decision-Making
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11161823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different parts of the brain work together to help us make decisions, using special techniques to see what happens when certain brain cells are activated during decision-making tasks in virtual reality.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,689 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS143140-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with neurological conditions that impact decision-making abilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to decision-making or those who do not have cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the brain's decision-making processes by examining how different neural circuits interact. Using advanced techniques like optogenetics, researchers will perturb specific groups of neurons and observe the resulting changes in activity among surrounding neurons during decision tasks in virtual reality. The goal is to understand the connectivity patterns in the brain that contribute to decision-making and to develop computational models that reflect these interactions. This approach aims to clarify the roles of various brain areas in generating decision-related activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of decision-making processes, potentially informing treatments for conditions that affect cognitive function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in computational neuroscience has shown promise in understanding brain connectivity and decision-making, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harvey, Christopher D — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Harvey, Christopher D
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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.