Understanding how the brain processes sensory information to influence behavior
Official title: Neural mechanisms underlying behavioral variability in uni- and multi-sensory contexts
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-10908461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how young fruit flies use their brains to make decisions based on different senses, helping us understand why they might behave differently even when faced with the same situation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $333,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150730-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with behavioral disorders such as ADHD or autism, as they may benefit from advancements in understanding neural mechanisms related to their conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to behavioral or neurological conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neural circuits in the brain of larval Drosophila (fruit flies) process multi-sensory information to make decisions about behavior. By using advanced genetic techniques, researchers can target specific neurons to observe how they respond to various stimuli. The study aims to uncover the origins of behavioral variability when the same stimulus is presented multiple times, providing insights into the underlying neural mechanisms. This work could enhance our understanding of decision-making processes in both simple and complex organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into behavioral disorders and improve treatment strategies for conditions like ADHD and autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar genetic and behavioral approaches in Drosophila has shown promising results in understanding neural mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mihovilovic Skanata, Mirna — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Mihovilovic Skanata, Mirna
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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.