Understanding how brains synchronize during social interactions
Official title: Dynamic entanglements: the functional role and mechanistic basis of inter-individual neural synchrony
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11062187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how animals' brains work together when they interact socially, especially in rodents, to help us understand the brain's role in social behaviors and emotional connections, which could also give us clues about human behavior and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $103,786 |
| NIH project number | 3U01NS131406-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in the biological basis of social behavior and those affected by social or mental health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in social behavior or those not affected by social or mental health conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brains of animals synchronize their neural activity during social interactions, which is crucial for understanding complex social behaviors. Using advanced molecular-genetic and optical tools, the study aims to record and manipulate neural activity in multiple interacting animals, particularly focusing on rodent species. By analyzing the synchronization of brain activity, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive social behaviors and emotional attachments. This innovative approach could provide insights into the neural basis of sociality and its implications for human behavior and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behavior and its neural underpinnings, potentially leading to improved treatments for social and mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding neural synchrony in social contexts, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kozorovitskiy, Yevgenia — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Kozorovitskiy, Yevgenia
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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.