Understanding how brain circuits influence social choices

Decoding ensemble dynamics from cortico-amygdalar circuits during social choice

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10894275

This study looks at how certain brain areas in rodents help them make social choices, which could help us understand the brain's role in social behavior and improve our knowledge of mental health conditions that affect how people interact with others.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10894275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms that underlie social behavior and decision-making by examining specific brain circuits in rodents. Using a novel social choice paradigm, the study records neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex and its connections to the amygdala and nucleus accumbens while the animals make social choices. By analyzing this data with advanced statistical models, the research aims to uncover how social context affects behavior and decision-making processes. Insights gained could lead to better understanding of psychiatric conditions that impair social cognition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with psychiatric conditions that impair social cognition, such as PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have psychiatric conditions affecting social behavior may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted treatments for psychiatric conditions that affect social behavior.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of decoding social choice dynamics is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding neural circuits involved in social behavior.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.