Understanding how brain activity influences social aggression
Official title: MULTIREGIONAL ELECTRICAL ENCODING OF SOCIAL AGGRESSION
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11044099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells work together when it comes to social aggression, using special technology to see and change brain activity in real-time, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with aggression-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $411,891 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125430-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with disorders characterized by aggressive behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of aggression or related behavioral disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between brain cell activity and social aggression by using advanced technologies to monitor and manipulate brain dynamics in real-time. The team aims to create a comprehensive model that links cellular information to the broader networks responsible for emotional behaviors in mammals. By studying these interactions in animal models, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of aggression and how they can be influenced. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for aggression-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing aggressive behaviors in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding brain dynamics and behavior, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dzirasa, Kafui — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Dzirasa, Kafui
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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.