Understanding how the brain learns under uncertain conditions
Official title: Frontocortical representations of amygdala-mediated learning under uncertainty
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10934344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain learns when things are uncertain, especially how a part of the brain called the amygdala works with other areas to help make decisions, and it could help us understand learning challenges in people with conditions like bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,308 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH135698-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or similar mental health conditions that affect learning and decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mental health conditions or those not experiencing learning difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain's mechanisms for learning when faced with uncertainty, particularly focusing on how the amygdala interacts with specific brain regions involved in decision-making. Using a novel task designed for rats, researchers will explore how different signals from the amygdala influence learning outcomes. By employing advanced techniques like chemogenetic inhibition and calcium imaging, the study aims to uncover the distinct roles of the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex in processing rewards and uncertainties. The findings could provide insights into learning difficulties associated with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for learning impairments in patients with mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to learning and decision-making, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero Sosa, Juan Luis — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Romero Sosa, Juan Luis
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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.