Understanding how brain circuits support memory and decision making
Official title: Development and organization of brain-wide neuronal ensemble circuits underlying memory and decision making
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11075312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain areas work together to help us remember things and make decisions, using recordings from the brains of adult rats exploring new places, to better understand how our memories are formed and stored.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $586,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS132342-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be adults experiencing cognitive impairments or memory-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological conditions or those under 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits involved in episodic memory and decision making, focusing on how neurons in the hippocampus and medial entorhinal cortex communicate during these processes. By using large-scale electrophysiological recordings from adult rodents navigating in new environments, the study aims to uncover the timing and coordination of neuronal activities that are crucial for memory encoding and consolidation. The findings could provide insights into how these cognitive functions develop and operate in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of memory-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar approaches in studying memory and decision-making processes in animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dragoi, George — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Dragoi, George
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions
This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.
-
NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Shared decision-making to prevent cancer in South Africa
A multi-level, school-based program in South Africa helps families, teachers, and health workers make informed choices to prevent cervical and related cancers, especially where HIV is common.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
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.