Understanding Brain Circuits for Visual Decisions
A cell-type specific explanation of visual decision circuits.
This project aims to uncover how different brain cells work together to help us make visual choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137078 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our goal is to understand the brain circuits that allow us to make decisions based on what we see. While we know a lot about how some brain cells (inhibitory neurons) contribute to these decisions, we don't fully understand the role of other important cells called excitatory pyramidal neurons. This project will compare how these different types of excitatory neurons contribute to key decision-making processes like memory and gathering evidence. We will observe and adjust the activity of these specific neurons in animals as they make visual decisions, mapping their activity across the brain and at the single-cell level.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this foundational work does not involve human participants, future clinical applications could benefit individuals experiencing difficulties with visual decision-making due to neurological conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This foundational knowledge could eventually lead to new ways to help people with conditions that affect their ability to make decisions or process visual information.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has successfully identified roles for inhibitory neurons in decision-making circuits, and this project builds on that success by focusing on excitatory neurons.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Churchland, Anne Kathryn — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Churchland, Anne Kathryn
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.