Teen brain circuit changes that shape decision-making
Circuit-level neurodevelopmental trajectories of decision-making computations across adolescence
Researchers are mapping how brain circuits change during the teen years to better understand decision-making in adolescents and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145734 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project tracks how connections in key brain areas change across adolescence by recording and manipulating neural activity in animal models over time. Scientists will use calcium imaging and optogenetics to watch and control neurons in regions tied to attention and reward, like the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, amygdala, and ventral tegmental area. They will combine these experiments with computer models to link circuit changes to improvements in decision-making behavior. Findings are intended to clarify when and how adolescent brain wiring supports healthier choices and how that process may go wrong in mental illness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant uses animal models and does not enroll people, so there are no eligible patients to join this research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments should not expect direct benefits from this animal-focused basic science project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to specific brain circuits and ages to target for early interventions to help adolescents with decision-making problems and some mental illnesses.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies using imaging and optogenetics have helped map circuit functions, but longitudinal circuit-level tracking across adolescence in this way is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saunders, Benjamin Thomas — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Saunders, Benjamin Thomas
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.