Understanding how the brain makes decisions based on context
Official title: Unraveling the neural mechanism underlying context-dependent decision making
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11058362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps us make decisions based on different situations, which is important for daily life, and it aims to understand how this process might be different in people with autism or ADHD, using mice to explore the brain areas involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $81,364 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DA060751-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cognitive flexibility or those without a diagnosis of autism or ADHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes contextual information to make flexible decisions, which is crucial for everyday activities. Using advanced genetic and imaging techniques in mouse models, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms involved in context-dependent decision making. It focuses on how these processes may be altered in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. By examining the role of specific brain regions, particularly the anterior lateral motor cortex, the research seeks to provide insights into cognitive flexibility and its implications for mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cognitive inflexibility in patients with autism and ADHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding neural mechanisms of decision making, but this specific approach using advanced imaging in animal models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Jia — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shen, Jia
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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.