Understanding how our brains remember things using virtual reality and brain imaging
Official title: Identifying mechanisms of multisensory memory using virtual reality and fMRI
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10831395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how our brains remember things by using virtual reality and special brain scans, and it's looking for people who want to help us understand how combining sights and sounds can make our memories stronger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | December 11, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,568 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH133270-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in memory enhancement or those experiencing memory difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments that prevent participation in virtual reality tasks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how our brains form and retrieve memories by using virtual reality and functional MRI (fMRI) technology. It focuses on how combining different senses, like sight and sound, can enhance our memory of objects and events. By examining the brain's medial temporal lobe, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that help us remember not just the objects themselves, but also the context in which we encountered them. Participants may engage in virtual reality experiences while their brain activity is monitored to understand these memory processes better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory retention in various populations, including those with memory impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that multisensory experiences can improve memory retention, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duarte, Shea — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Duarte, Shea
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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.