Understanding brain networks involved in high-level thinking and behavior
Official title: Thalamocortical cognitive networks in the healthy human brain
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11079576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help us think and behave in everyday life, focusing on healthy adults, and it will also compare these findings to how the brain works in people with schizophrenia to better understand any differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 3, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $331,331 |
| NIH project number | 5P50MH132642-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults aged 21 and older who are interested in contributing to our understanding of cognitive functions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or neurological disorders may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of specific brain regions, the pulvinar and mediodorsal nuclei, in coordinating cognitive functions and behaviors in healthy adults. Using advanced imaging techniques like whole-brain fMRI, the study aims to map how these regions interact with other parts of the brain during complex tasks. By comparing these interactions with those observed in individuals with schizophrenia, the research seeks to uncover potential dysfunctions in cognitive processing. The project also incorporates animal models to enhance understanding of these brain networks across different species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders by identifying key brain network functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using fMRI to study brain networks, making this approach both validated and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, Anne G.e. — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Collins, Anne G.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.