Understanding how brain cells in the prefrontal cortex help with decision-making.
Official title: Neural Circuit Dynamics Underlying Perceptual Decision Making in the Macaque Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10992113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different brain cells in a specific area of the brain help macaque monkeys make decisions based on what they see, using special techniques to understand how these cells work during tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,365 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS131018-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with decision-making impairments or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any decision-making disorders or brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of different types of brain cells in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of macaque monkeys during decision-making tasks. By using advanced neurophysiology techniques and computational modeling, the study aims to determine how these cells contribute to making choices based on sensory information. The researchers will analyze the activity of these cells while the monkeys perform specific tasks, helping to uncover the underlying mechanisms of decision-making in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of decision-making disorders, such as schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding brain function related to decision-making, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Eric Kenji — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Lee, Eric Kenji
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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.