Understanding how the brain processes signals from within the body

Look inward: brainstem and cortical circuits for boosting interoceptive attention

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10679014

This study is exploring how our brains notice and pay attention to feelings from our bodies, which can help us better understand and treat issues like anxiety, eating disorders, and chronic pain, so we can improve care for people dealing with these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10679014 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain circuits involved in perceiving and attending to internal bodily signals, which are crucial for understanding various health conditions. By overcoming technological challenges, the project aims to create a platform for studying these internal sensations in detail. This could lead to the development of targeted therapies for conditions such as anxiety, eating disorders, and chronic pain, ultimately improving patient care. The research will utilize advanced techniques to map the brain's response to internal signals, providing insights into how these processes can be manipulated for therapeutic benefit.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and chronic pain conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to internal bodily signal processing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted treatments for a variety of conditions related to internal bodily signals.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on external sensory circuits, this investigation into internal bodily signals is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anxiety DisordersGuerin-Stern SyndromeOtto syndromeRocher-Sheldon syndromeRossi syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.