Understanding how habits form in the brain
Circuit-specific plasticity mechanisms for habitual behavior
This study is looking at how our brains switch from making thoughtful choices to doing things automatically, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how habits form and what that means for different health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162004 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain transitions from flexible, goal-directed behaviors to automatic, habitual actions. By focusing on specific brain regions, particularly the dorsal striatum, the study aims to identify the neural circuits involved in habit formation. Using advanced techniques, researchers will isolate different types of cortical inputs to the striatum and observe how these inputs change during the development of habits. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of habitual behavior and its implications for various conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing difficulties with habit formation or compulsive behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit habitual behavior issues or related neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of compulsive behaviors and other disorders related to habit formation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding habit formation through similar approaches, but this study aims to explore novel aspects of the underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Cameron Wayne — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Morris, Cameron Wayne
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 below.