Understanding how the brain encodes fear memories from traumatic events
Official title: Cortical Networks Encoding Higher-Order Memories that Elicit Fear
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11134726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how traumatic experiences can create fear memories that can pop up unexpectedly, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how these memories work in the brain, especially for those dealing with PTSD or similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $320,638 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic events and are struggling with intrusive memories or PTSD symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced trauma or do not exhibit symptoms related to fear conditioning may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how traumatic experiences lead to fear memories that can be triggered by cues not directly associated with the trauma. By using advanced techniques like chemogenetics and in vivo electrophysiology in freely moving rats, the study aims to uncover the brain networks involved in encoding and retrieving these higher-order fear memories. This understanding could help clarify the mechanisms behind intrusive memories and their connection to conditions like PTSD. The findings may provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating fear-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on fear memories, this specific approach focusing on higher-order conditioning is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Todd, Travis — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Todd, Travis
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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.