Understanding how the brain processes navigation and driving information
Representation of navigational and driving-related information across human brain
This study is looking at how our brains help us navigate and drive, especially as we get older or if we have certain brain diseases, to find better ways to understand and diagnose these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093326 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in navigation and driving, particularly how these processes are affected by aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques with a high-resolution MRI scanner, the study will analyze brain activity during a driving task that mimics real-world navigation. By employing sophisticated computational models, researchers aim to identify how different navigational features are represented in the brain, which could lead to improved diagnostic tools for neurological conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals with neurodegenerative diseases who experience difficulties with navigation and driving.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing cognitive decline or neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological diseases by providing insights into how navigation skills are affected by brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research using neuroimaging to study navigation has shown promising results, but this approach with advanced MRI technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallant, Jack L — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Gallant, Jack L
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 below.