Understanding how the brain processes social interactions with new individuals
Official title: Identifying the Neural Substrates of Novelty-Related Social Investigation
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11112297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps us recognize and interact with new friends, using mice to learn more about the brain's pathways involved in social behavior, which could help us understand changes in social interactions seen in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH135662-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who exhibit social behavior changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain recognizes and responds to new social partners, focusing on the ventral hippocampus and its connections to other brain regions. Using advanced techniques like calcium imaging and optogenetic stimulation, the study aims to uncover the neural pathways involved in social approach behaviors. By studying mice, the research seeks to understand the mechanisms that drive social investigation and how these processes may be altered in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The findings could provide insights into social behavior and its neural underpinnings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behavior in dementia patients, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding social behavior through neural pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dykstra, Benjamin Forrest — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Dykstra, Benjamin Forrest
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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.