Understanding how brain activity influences animal behavior in social settings
Official title: Mapping dynamic transitions across neural, behavioral, and social scales in interacting animals
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11035335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how animals' brains work while they interact with each other and behave in their natural environments, aiming to help us understand how these factors relate to thinking and mental health issues, which could lead to more tailored treatments for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $330,027 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA061924-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with cognitive or behavioral disorders, as well as those interested in the dynamics of social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing cognitive or behavioral disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connections between brain activity, behavior, and social interactions in animals. By using advanced techniques to monitor brain dynamics and behavior in real-time, the project aims to uncover how these elements interact in natural settings. The goal is to create a framework that allows for a better understanding of cognitive processes and neuropsychiatric disorders, potentially leading to personalized interventions. This approach moves beyond traditional methods that limit behavior to controlled tasks, allowing for a more comprehensive view of social dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders in both animals and humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in social neuroscience has shown promise in understanding brain-behavior relationships, but this approach is innovative in its focus on naturalistic interactions without task constraints.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Mengsen — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Mengsen
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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.