Understanding how brain interactions affect decision-making and internal states

Causal brainwide interactions underlying internal states and decisions

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE · NIH-10906297

This study is looking at how being focused on a task affects how mice make decisions, using special techniques to see what happens in their brains while they work on different tasks.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10906297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how different internal states, such as engagement in a task, influence decision-making in animals. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and neural recordings, the team aims to uncover the neural mechanisms behind these interactions. The study involves trained mice performing standardized decision-making tasks while researchers manipulate specific brain regions to observe changes in behavior. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of how the brain communicates internally during decision-making processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with conditions affecting decision-making or mood regulation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to decision-making processes or those not exhibiting variability in internal states may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how internal states affect behavior, potentially informing treatments for conditions related to decision-making and mood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding brain interactions and decision-making, but this specific approach using optogenetics and functional ultrasound is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.