Understanding how the brain controls attention and decision-making

Large-scale recordings in Primate Prefrontal Cortex: Mechanisms of Value and Attention

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10914947

This study is looking at how the brain helps us pay attention and make decisions by watching how groups of brain cells work together, which could help us understand more about how our minds focus on things.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914947 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms of attention and decision-making in the prefrontal cortex of primates. By utilizing advanced technology to record the activity of many neurons simultaneously, the study aims to decode cognitive processes directly from neural signals rather than relying solely on behavioral observations. The researchers will apply real-time decoding to control stimuli and microstimulation, allowing them to explore how specific neuron populations contribute to cognitive functions. This innovative approach could lead to a deeper understanding of how attention is managed in the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing attention deficits or related cognitive challenges.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments unrelated to attention or decision-making may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for attention-related disorders such as ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced neural recording techniques to understand cognitive processes, indicating that this approach could 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.
Conditions Affective DisordersAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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.