Understanding how the brain controls behavior in virtual reality environments
Official title: CRCNS: Neural computations for continuous control in virtual reality foraging
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11098988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how monkeys think and make decisions while they play a fun virtual reality game of catching fireflies, using new technology to see what’s happening in their brains, and it’s all about helping us understand how our brains work when we face tricky situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,110 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS120407-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098988 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with neurological conditions that impact cognitive function and behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive processing or those not exhibiting behavioral control issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neural activity in the brain relates to behavior by modeling cognitive processes in animals, specifically monkeys, as they engage in a virtual reality task of catching fireflies. The team uses a novel approach that combines artificial intelligence with neural measurements to infer the internal thoughts and beliefs that guide the animals' actions. By analyzing these cognitive dynamics, the researchers aim to uncover how the brain processes information and makes decisions in complex environments. This could lead to a better understanding of brain function and behavior control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cognitive processes and lead to improved treatments for neurological conditions affecting behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using artificial intelligence to model cognitive processes, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pitkow, Zachary Samuel — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Pitkow, Zachary Samuel
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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.