Understanding how the brain processes cues that motivate behavior
Official title: Capturing the neural signature of the paraventricular thalamus that underlies individual variability in cue-motivated behavior
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10715723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different rats react to signals in their surroundings that encourage them to act, to help us understand why some people are more influenced by these signals than others, which could give us clues about decision-making in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $646,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R34NS132808-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10715723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals experiencing motivational or behavioral challenges, particularly those related to reward processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience variability in cue-motivated behavior or those with conditions unrelated to motivation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different individuals respond to cues in their environment that motivate behavior, using an animal model to explore the underlying neural mechanisms. By studying rats, the researchers will differentiate between those that focus on cues predicting rewards and those that are influenced by the cues themselves. The study employs advanced techniques to map the neural circuitry involved in these behaviors, aiming to uncover why some individuals are more driven by cues than others. This could provide insights into how these processes affect decision-making and behavior in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions related to motivation and decision-making, such as addiction or anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to understand the neural basis of motivation and behavior, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flagel, Shelly Beth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Flagel, Shelly Beth
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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.