Understanding how the brain controls attention.
Official title: A Biological Theory of Attention Control in the Framework of Rational Meta-Reasoning
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10888011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains decide what to pay attention to and why, which could help us understand attention-related issues better and find new ways to manage them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $356,037 |
| NIH project number | 1R34NS137420-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing attention-related challenges, such as those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with attention issues stemming from non-biological factors, such as environmental or social influences, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms that govern how we focus our attention on important information. By examining specific brain areas and their roles in decision-making, the study aims to uncover how attention is regulated based on the perceived costs and benefits of information. The researchers will utilize advanced neurocognitive models and conduct experiments to test their hypotheses about how different stimuli compete for our attention. This work could lead to a better understanding of attention-related disorders and improve strategies for managing them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance treatment approaches for attention-related disorders, such as ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding attention mechanisms, but this approach is novel in its focus on specific brain circuits and their roles in attention control.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gottlieb, Jacqueline — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gottlieb, Jacqueline
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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.