Understanding how spontaneous brain activity affects perception and decision-making

Predictive Functions and Neural Mechanisms of Spontaneous Cortical Activity

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11085173

This study is looking at how our brain's natural activity, even when we're not doing anything, affects how we think and feel, especially for people dealing with conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11085173 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the spontaneous activity of the mammalian cortex, which occurs even without external stimuli. It aims to uncover how these internal brain states influence our perceptions and decision-making processes, particularly in relation to psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD. By using advanced imaging techniques like resting state fMRI, the study seeks to establish connections between spontaneous cortical states and psychiatric diagnoses. The research will also explore the underlying neural mechanisms and circuits involved in these processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, or PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients without psychiatric diagnoses or those with neurological conditions unrelated to the study may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders by identifying how brain activity influences perception.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in linking spontaneous brain activity to perceptual decision-making, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

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 2026-06-09 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.