Understanding how brain activity influences behavior in animals
Official title: Transformative Optical Imaging of Brain & Behavior in Navigating Genetic Species
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11056872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity affects the behavior of small animals like fish and flies by using new tools to watch them closely as they respond to different things in their surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA059500-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals interested in the biological basis of behavior and those with conditions related to neurological function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurological function or those not interested in animal behavior studies may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the connection between neuronal activity and behavior in animals by developing innovative imaging tools. The project will involve monitoring the behavior of small genetic model organisms, such as fish and flies, as they interact with various sensory stimuli in their environments. Researchers will create specialized equipment to control sensory inputs and capture detailed behavioral data, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how brain activity correlates with movement and actions. By using bioluminescence techniques, the study will also enable real-time imaging of neural activity in these animals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how brain function affects behavior, potentially informing treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using imaging techniques to study brain activity and behavior in animal models, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoppik, David — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Schoppik, David
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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.