Understanding how drugs change brain states

Single-cell causality in origination, propagation, and resolution of drug-altered brain states

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11098686

This project aims to discover how drugs affect brain circuits at a very detailed level, helping us understand how drug-related behaviors begin and change.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11098686 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are exploring how drugs alter brain activity and lead to specific behaviors, focusing on the tiny connections between individual brain cells. Using advanced tools like optoencephalography and fiber photometry, we can observe and even control these brain circuits. Our goal is to pinpoint the exact brain changes that happen when someone is under the influence of drugs, and how these changes lead to certain actions. This work helps us understand the fundamental processes behind drug-altered brain states.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals affected by drug-altered brain states in the future.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options for drug abuse will not directly benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and potentially treat conditions related to drug abuse by targeting specific brain circuits.

How similar studies have performed: This project uses cutting-edge technologies like optoencephalography and STARmap, representing a novel and highly advanced approach to studying brain circuits.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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 2026-06-13 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.