Understanding how brain development affects decision-making in adolescents
Circuit-level neurodevelopmental trajectories of decision-making computations across adolescence
This study is looking at how the brain changes during the teenage years and how those changes affect decision-making, especially for young people who might be dealing with mental health challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897230 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in brain circuits during adolescence that influence decision-making abilities. By using advanced techniques like calcium imaging and optogenetics, the study will observe how specific brain regions, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, develop and function over time. The research aims to identify the neural mechanisms that underlie improvements in decision-making as adolescents grow. This could provide insights into how these processes may differ in individuals with mental health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 years who are interested in understanding their decision-making processes.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 years or those without decision-making deficits may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of decision-making deficits in adolescents, particularly those with mental health conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and decision-making, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saunders, Benjamin Thomas — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Saunders, Benjamin Thomas
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.