Investigating how mouse brain activity affects their social behavior in different environments
Official title: Hypothalamic activity and collective mouse behavior in lab cages vs outdoor colonies
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10941070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of mice work when they interact with each other, both in a lab and outside in a more natural setting, to see how these social behaviors help them survive and take care of their young.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,613 |
| NIH project number | 1R34NS138066-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in the biological underpinnings of social behavior and those affected by social or behavioral disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to social behavior or those not interested in animal behavior studies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between brain activity and social behavior in mice, comparing their interactions in controlled lab settings versus natural outdoor environments. By utilizing advanced techniques such as wireless recording and optogenetics, the study aims to understand how social dynamics influence survival behaviors like foraging and co-parenting. The research involves collaborative efforts between labs at Princeton and NYU, focusing on the effects of 'rewilding' lab mice to observe their behavior in more complex, naturalistic settings. The findings could provide insights into the neural circuits that govern social interactions and parental care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behavior and brain function, potentially informing treatments for social and behavioral disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding animal behavior through similar methodologies, indicating a potential for significant findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Froemke, Robert Crooks — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Froemke, Robert Crooks
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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.