Understanding how brain circuits influence behaviors towards infants
Investigate the Neural Circuits of Infant-Directed Behaviors
This study looks at how certain brain areas in mice influence whether they care for or act aggressively towards their babies, with the hope of finding ways to prevent child abuse and better understand parenting behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10943349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits that control both caring and hostile behaviors towards infants, using advanced techniques like 2-photon imaging. By studying specific neural populations in mice, the researchers aim to understand how these circuits can lead to either nurturing or aggressive behaviors. The goal is to identify the underlying mechanisms that could contribute to child abuse and develop strategies to prevent it. This work is crucial for understanding the biological basis of parental care and aggression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding the biological factors influencing parental behaviors, particularly those concerned about child welfare.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in the biological aspects of parenting or who do not have concerns related to child abuse may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and interventions to prevent child abuse and improve parental care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have successfully identified neural circuits related to parental behaviors, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Dayu — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lin, Dayu
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.