Restoring reward responses in people who smoke using targeted brain stimulation and robotic guidance
Official title: Recovery of reward function in nicotine use disorder using a combination of robotics, electrophysiology, and TMS
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11412220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses targeted brain stimulation, brain recordings, and robotic guidance to try to restore normal reward responses in people trying to quit smoking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $552,857 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3DA054787-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who regularly smoke cigarettes, meet criteria for nicotine use disorder, are willing to abstain briefly, and can attend multiple in-person TMS and EEG sessions are the best fit.
✕Less likely to help
People with seizure history, certain implanted metal devices in the head, pregnancy, or those not trying to quit smoking may be ineligible or unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would have your brain activity recorded while doing simple tasks that compare responses to money versus smoking cues to measure reward signals. Researchers will use robotic guidance to precisely aim transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at the midcingulate and nearby regions while monitoring changes with electrophysiology (EEG). Multiple stimulation and recording sessions will be delivered, including brief periods of abstinence, to see whether the approach shifts reward bias away from drug-related cues. Participation involves several in-person visits at the research site for TMS, EEG, and behavioral testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce craving and help restore healthier decision-making to support quitting smoking.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies found 10‑Hz prefrontal TMS can normalize the reward signal in people with substance problems, but combining robotic targeting with direct electrophysiology to optimally modulate the midcingulate is a new, more precise approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Travis E. — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Baker, Travis E.
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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.