Understanding how brain waves help form and maintain long-term memories
Official title: Hippocampal Sharp-Wave Ripple and Replay Mechanisms Underlying Long-Term Memory
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11074080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain waves that happen when we rest or sleep can help us remember places better, using virtual reality to see how these waves support our long-term memories.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS129560-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074080 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) in the hippocampus, which are brain wave events that occur during rest and sleep. These events are believed to help consolidate and recall memories by reactivating neural patterns associated with experiences. The study will utilize virtual reality environments to explore how these brain waves contribute to the stability of long-term spatial memories. By measuring the effects of SWRs on memory retention, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance memory function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving memory retention in individuals with memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that manipulating SWRs can influence memory processes, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Jennifer — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Ding, Jennifer
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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.