Investigating how the brain's prefrontal cortex affects social behavior in humans
An Integrated Single-Neuronal, Population-, Local Network- and Stimulation-Based Prefrontal Investigation of Human Social Cognition
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps us understand and interact with others, which could help improve our understanding of social challenges in conditions like autism and schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11083561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the dorsal prefrontal cortex in human social cognition by examining the activities of individual neurons and local networks. It aims to understand how these brain mechanisms contribute to complex social behaviors such as emotional judgment and social reasoning. By using advanced stimulation techniques and analyzing neuronal responses, the study seeks to uncover the underlying processes that govern how we interpret the actions and beliefs of others. This knowledge could provide insights into conditions like autism and schizophrenia, where social cognition is often impaired.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, or other conditions affecting social cognition.
Not a fit: Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to social cognition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for social cognitive impairments in various psychological conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding social cognition through animal models, but this approach in humans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Ziv — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Williams, Ziv
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.