Understanding how brain connections influence decisions and behavior
Topological bridges between circuits, models, and behavior
This project aims to understand how brain cells work together in complex ways to help us make decisions and perceive the world around us.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146739 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains are incredibly complex, and current methods often struggle to fully capture how brain cells interact to produce our thoughts and actions. This project uses advanced mathematical tools, similar to mapping complex shapes, to better understand these intricate connections. By observing brain activity in detail, we hope to uncover how different brain cells communicate and how these interactions affect our ability to make choices and interpret what we see and hear. This deeper understanding could reveal the fundamental ways our brains process information.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a basic science project primarily involving animal models, so it does not directly recruit human patients for participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct participation in a human clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational work could lead to a better understanding of how the brain functions in health and disease, potentially informing future treatments for conditions affecting cognition and behavior.
How similar studies have performed: This project proposes novel mathematical approaches to analyze brain activity, building upon existing neuroscience knowledge but introducing new methods to tackle complex brain data.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Runyan, Caroline Anne — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Runyan, Caroline Anne
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.