Understanding brain activity related to smoking lapses
Official title: Linking brain network dynamics to imminent smoking lapse risk and behavior
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10897033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain works when adults are trying to quit smoking and might be tempted to smoke again, to help find better ways to support people in staying smoke-free.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $461,412 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055774-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently trying to quit smoking or have recently quit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or are not attempting to quit smoking may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain dynamics that contribute to lapses in smoking cessation among adults. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to identify how brain activity changes in the moments leading up to a smoking lapse, particularly during periods of nicotine abstinence. Participants will undergo a 12-hour abstinence period before engaging in a specially designed fMRI task that simulates the decision-making process around smoking. The findings could help in developing strategies to prevent relapse in individuals trying to quit smoking.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for preventing smoking relapse, ultimately aiding individuals in their efforts to quit smoking.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using fMRI to study smoking behavior has shown promise, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights into smoking lapses.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Stephen Jeffrey — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Stephen Jeffrey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Social stress and smoking: why disadvantaged young adults struggle to quit
This grant looks at how daily social stress affects if and when disadvantaged young adults who smoke can quit and stay quit.
-
BSMART: A program to help people with HIV quit smoking
A program in HIV care settings tests a proven plan to help people with HIV quit smoking, using quick counseling and a switch to quitting medications.
-
BSMAT: Helping people with HIV quit smoking through routine support
A HIV care program in Botswana aims to help people living with HIV quit smoking using a proven 5A brief intervention plus support medication.
-
Improving treatment for people with HIV who smoke and drink in Nairobi, Kenya
A study tests a new plan to help people with HIV in Nairobi quit smoking and reduce heavy drinking, using a low-cost medicine and counseling.
-
I-STOP: a mobile health program to help people with HIV quit smoking
A smartphone-based program designed to help people with HIV quit smoking in a sustainable, affordable way.
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.