New methods to study and change how brain connections work
Novel approaches for interrogating and manipulating synaptic function, structure and plasticity
This study is exploring how the connections between brain cells change when we learn and remember things, and it aims to find ways to better understand and improve brain health for people with cognitive disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11083003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how synapses, the connections between neurons in the brain, change in response to neural activity. By developing innovative tools, the researchers aim to manipulate these changes in real time, allowing them to investigate the relationship between synaptic modifications and cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Patients may benefit from insights gained about brain disorders that affect cognitive abilities, as the research seeks to bridge gaps in our understanding of synaptic plasticity and its implications for brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cognitive disorders or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function and plasticity.
Not a fit: Patients with stable cognitive function and no neurological or psychiatric disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating cognitive disorders by enhancing our understanding of how brain connections are formed and modified.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic plasticity, but the specific tools being developed in this project represent a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Matthew J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Matthew J
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.