Understanding how the brain encodes and retrieves memories through interactions in the cortex.
Official title: Bottom-Up, Top-Down, and Local Interactions in the Generation and Consolidation of Cortical Representations of Sequential Experience
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10658227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how our brains create and store memories by looking at how different experiences are coded in the hippocampus and then shared with other parts of the brain, especially for people who may be dealing with memory issues as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,954,469 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS132041-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10658227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include older adults experiencing normal age-related memory decline and individuals with memory disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological conditions that significantly impair cognitive function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the hippocampus generates unique codes for different experiences and how these codes are integrated into the neocortex for memory retrieval. By using advanced techniques like microstimulation and optogenetics in immersive virtual reality environments, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind memory encoding and consolidation. It focuses on how sensory inputs and internal brain states influence memory representation at the neural level. The findings could provide insights into how memories are formed and maintained, especially in the context of aging and memory-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory retention and retrieval, potentially benefiting individuals with memory impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory encoding through similar experimental approaches, indicating a potential for significant advancements in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnaughton, Bruce L — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Mcnaughton, Bruce L
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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.