Understanding how the brain processes spatial information
Official title: Thalamocortical Circuits Governing Egocentric-Allocentric Spatial Reference Frame Transformations
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11068562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains change what we see and feel from a personal view into a bigger picture of the world around us, and it could help people understand more about how we think about space and remember things.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32MH139270-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive decline or memory issues, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cognitive related neurological disorders or those without any cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain transforms sensory information from a personal perspective into a broader, world-centered understanding of space. It focuses on specific brain regions and their connections, particularly how visual information is processed and represented in different ways. By using advanced techniques like dual-site in vivo electrophysiology and chemogenetic silencing, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that facilitate this transformation. Patients may benefit from insights gained about cognitive functions related to spatial awareness and memory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding spatial memory and cognitive functions through similar neural pathway investigations, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lachance, Patrick Adam — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Lachance, Patrick Adam
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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.