Understanding how specific brain cells influence decision-making and learning from mistakes
Official title: Investigating the role of a pallido-striatal projection in value-guided behavior
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10977049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific brain cells help us learn from our mistakes and make better choices, which could lead to new insights that might help people improve their decision-making skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $12,018 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH135646-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting decision-making processes or learning abilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to cognitive or behavioral functions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain cells in the basal ganglia, particularly those from the pallidum, affect our ability to predict outcomes and learn from errors. By examining the role of these cells in value-guided behavior, the study aims to uncover how they contribute to updating our understanding of rewards. The approach involves detailed anatomical and functional analyses to determine how these cells interact with other brain regions involved in decision-making. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the underlying mechanisms of learning and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of conditions related to decision-making and learning, such as addiction or mood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of arkypallidal cells in value updating is relatively untested, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the broader functions of the basal ganglia in behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pai, Julia — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pai, Julia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.