Investigating how brain signals affect memory for navigation
How does neuromodulation shape the fluidity of spatial working memory?
This study looks at how a brain chemical called dopamine helps with remembering where we are when we move around, using fruit flies to learn more about this process, which could help us understand memory better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10472347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how the brain's dopamine system influences working memory, particularly in the context of spatial navigation. By studying the brain of the fruit fly, researchers aim to understand how dopamine affects the ability to hold and update information about one's position while moving. The approach involves advanced techniques like whole-cell electrophysiology and optogenetics to observe how these processes work in real-time. This could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of memory that are crucial for navigating our environment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia that severely impair cognitive function may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory mechanisms through similar approaches, although this specific focus on dopamine's role in spatial memory is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Yvette E — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Yvette E
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.