Understanding how brain regions communicate during emotional experiences

Mechanisms and functions of amygdala-hippocampus beta synchrony

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11072804

This study is looking at how two important parts of the brain, the amygdala and hippocampus, talk to each other to help us understand our feelings and anxiety, using special recordings from patients with epilepsy to find patterns that could improve how we manage emotions and mental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11072804 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the communication between the amygdala and hippocampus, two critical brain regions involved in mood and anxiety regulation. By using advanced techniques like intracranial EEG recordings from epilepsy patients, the study aims to identify specific patterns of brain activity that correlate with emotional states. The researchers will explore how these patterns influence behaviors related to anxiety and risk assessment, potentially leading to new insights into emotional regulation. The ultimate goal is to understand the mechanisms behind these brain interactions and their impact on mental health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy who also experience mood and anxiety fluctuations.

Not a fit: Patients without epilepsy or those who do not experience mood or anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new biomarkers for diagnosing and treating anxiety and mood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using similar approaches to understand brain activity related to emotional states, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.