Investigating how rewards influence memory formation in the brain
Official title: Head Scanning Behavior and Reward Interactions in Potentiation of Place Fields
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11076180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of rewards can help us remember things better, especially when we're navigating through new places, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how our brains work and how we might improve memory in people with memory challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH134596-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive decline or memory-related issues, particularly those with conditions affecting the hippocampus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no cognitive impairments or those not experiencing memory-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between reward mechanisms and memory formation in the hippocampus, a critical brain region for episodic memory. By using advanced electrophysiology techniques, the study will examine how rewards affect head scanning behaviors and the activation of specific neurons during navigation tasks. The research aims to understand how different types of rewards can influence the way memories are formed and recalled, particularly in changing environments. This could provide insights into cognitive functions and potential interventions for cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatments for cognitive impairments related to memory and reward processing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the hippocampus in memory and reward interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ozel, Pelin — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ozel, Pelin
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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.