Memory and decision making in birds: how hippocampus-like representations guide foraging choices
Official title: Influence of Hippocampus-Like Memory Representations on Decision Making in Foraging Birds
Funded at Basis Research Institute · NIH-11371128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how hippocampus-like brain signals guide memory-based foraging decisions in birds, with the goal of understanding memory-guided behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Basis Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $224,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS131256-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11371128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this grant as described; the study uses animal models (birds) and theoretical work rather than direct human patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described; results may inform broader Alzheimer's research but do not involve patient care.
What this research studies
Researchers will use theoretical models and computer simulations to link hippocampal-like brain activity to how birds remember and decide where to forage. They will implement memory models in neural networks that learn in ways similar to biological brains. In addition, the project will track and analyze real bird foraging behavior in natural settings to connect theory with actual actions. The work will involve collaboration with experimentalists who study brain activity in birds during cognitive tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could improve our understanding of memory systems affected by Alzheimer’s-related conditions and inform future translational research.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in birds shows strong links between hippocampus-like activity and memory-based decisions, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Basis Research Institute
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mackevicius, Emily Lambert — Basis Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mackevicius, Emily Lambert
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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.