Understanding how brain circuits for attention work in health and disease
Organization and Circuit Interactions of Thalamocortical Attentional Networks in Health and Disease
This study looks at how different parts of the brain work together to help us pay attention, comparing healthy people with those who have conditions like schizophrenia, to better understand how these brain systems affect things like sleep, thinking, and emotions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the organization and interactions of brain circuits involved in attention, focusing on how these circuits function in both healthy individuals and those with disorders like schizophrenia. By examining the distinct roles of core and matrix thalamocortical systems, the study aims to uncover how these networks contribute to processes such as sleep, cognition, and emotional regulation. The research employs advanced imaging and modeling techniques to analyze brain structure and function, providing insights into the mechanisms of attention modulation and potential disruptions in psychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include adults over 21 years old who experience attentional deficits or have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients with no history of attentional issues or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for attention-related disorders and schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding thalamocortical networks, but this specific investigation into core and matrix systems in humans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zikopoulos, Vasileios — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Zikopoulos, Vasileios
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 below.