NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how the brain organizes decision-making activity

Official title: P1: Sources and Mechanisms of Sequential Activity

Funded at Princeton University · NIH-10900681 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how the brain of a mouse makes decisions by tracking its activity during different tasks, like finding its way around or responding to sights, to better understand how certain brain areas help time those decisions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project startAugust 8, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$304,589
NIH project number5U19NS132720-02
Project IDNIH-10900681 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that impact decision-making or cognitive processes.

Less likely to help

Patients without neurological conditions or those not experiencing cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how sequential activity in the mouse brain influences decision-making processes. By examining how different tasks and conditions affect this activity, researchers aim to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to how decisions are made. The study involves recording neural activity during various tasks, including navigation and visual stimulation, to determine how these factors shape brain responses. Additionally, the research will explore the role of specific brain regions, such as the striatum, in controlling the timing of decisions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the neural mechanisms of decision-making, potentially informing treatments for conditions that affect cognitive function.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding brain activity related to decision-making, but this specific approach is novel and aims to uncover new mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

  • Princeton University
    Princeton, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tank, David W — Princeton University
  • Study coordinator: Tank, David W

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.