Understanding how memory and decision-making work in the brain

C3: Behavior Automation

NIH-funded research Princeton University · NIH-10900697

This study is looking at how the brain helps with remembering things and making decisions by training rodents on tasks where they need to gather information before choosing, and the findings could help improve understanding of these processes in both animals and people.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10900697 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms that underlie working memory and decision-making by training rodents on complex tasks that require them to gather evidence before making choices. The study utilizes advanced virtual-reality and non-virtual-reality setups to standardize the training of these animals, ensuring consistent and reliable data collection. As the project progresses, new automation tools will be developed to enhance the efficiency of animal care and data accuracy, ultimately improving the quality of research outcomes. The goal is to better understand cognitive processes that could inform future interventions in both animal and human studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with cognitive impairments or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of memory and decision-making.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive function or those not involved in animal research may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of cognitive functions that may benefit treatments for memory-related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding cognitive processes through similar behavioral training approaches in animal models.

Where this research is happening

Princeton, 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.