NIH-funded research U01 cooperative agreement

Understanding how brain circuits support language and memory.

Official title: Laminar Circuit Motifs for Working Memory and Language Combinatorics: From Cells to Systems

Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10934028 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our brains help us understand and use language by working with patients who are having brain surgery, and it hopes to learn more about how these brain functions can be affected in people with neurological disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project startSeptember 18, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,217,318
NIH project number1U01NS137991-01
Project IDNIH-10934028 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation are patients undergoing neurosurgery who have language or memory impairments.

Less likely to help

Patients without neurological disorders or those not undergoing neurosurgery may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms that underlie language and working memory by examining brain circuits in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Using advanced techniques, including high-density recordings and genomic analyses, the study aims to uncover how different layers of the brain contribute to our ability to combine words and manipulate thoughts. By involving up to 100 patients, the research seeks to gather valuable data that can enhance our understanding of cognitive functions and their disruptions in neurological disorders.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for language and memory disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding brain functions related to language and memory, but this approach aims to provide novel insights through advanced methodologies.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Iowa
    Iowa City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Petkov, Christopher I — University of Iowa
  • Study coordinator: Petkov, Christopher I

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.