Understanding how brain circuits work in freely moving animals
Closed-Loop Systems for Large Scale Spatiotemporal Imaging and Actuation of Neural Activity in Freely Behaving Animals
This study is looking at how certain brain circuits work while animals move around and behave naturally, using special tools that let scientists watch and interact with their brain activity in real-time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894234 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to explore how specific neural circuits in the brain function during natural behaviors in freely behaving animals. By developing advanced, head-mounted microscopes that can both observe and stimulate neural activity, researchers will be able to study the brain's encoding, storage, and retrieval of information in real-time. The project will integrate various technologies to create a comprehensive platform for conducting experiments that link neural activity with behavior. This innovative approach seeks to overcome limitations of previous methods that restricted studies to stationary animals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological conditions that affect behavior or cognitive function.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neural circuit function or those who do not exhibit behavioral symptoms may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a deeper understanding of brain function and its relationship to behavior, potentially informing treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study neural circuits, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aharoni, Daniel — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Aharoni, Daniel
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.