Understanding how brain cells process information for learning and attention
Official title: The role of top-down dendritic processing in credit assignment and cortical dynamics
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11141056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells help us learn and pay attention, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about how our brains work, especially in relation to conditions that affect thinking and focus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $692,842 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cognitive disorders such as autism spectrum disorder or those affected by addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive disorders or those not experiencing issues related to learning and attention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain cells, specifically apical tuft dendrites, contribute to cognitive processes like learning and attention. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers will observe how these dendrites interact with other neurons during specific tasks, including a brain-computer interface and virtual navigation. The goal is to uncover the biological mechanisms behind top-down processing, which is essential for various cognitive functions. This could lead to a better understanding of disorders that affect these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cognitive disorders and lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions like autism and addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain processing mechanisms, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harnett, Mark Thomas — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Harnett, Mark Thomas
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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.