Understanding how the brain makes decisions under uncertainty
Official title: Neural circuits for adaptively biasing decision making
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10913624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain areas help mice make decisions when they're unsure about what they see, especially by learning from their past choices, and it aims to help us understand how our brains make smart decisions in tricky situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $332,868 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129608-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that impair decision-making abilities or cognitive function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable cognitive function and no decision-making impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural circuits in the brain that influence decision making, particularly when faced with uncertain sensory information. By focusing on the superior colliculus, a critical area for spatial decision making, the study aims to understand how past choices and their outcomes affect current decisions. The researchers will conduct experiments with mice to explore how these brain circuits integrate prior knowledge with sensory evidence to guide decision making. This work could provide insights into the mechanisms of adaptive decision making in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of decision-making processes, potentially informing treatments for conditions that affect cognitive function.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding decision-making processes through similar neural circuit investigations, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felsen, Gidon S — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Felsen, Gidon S
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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.