Understanding how the brain selects actions and makes decisions
Official title: Opponent control of action selection in the cortico-basal-ganglia-colliculus loop
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11289694 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different parts of the brain team up to help us make choices and take action, which could lead to better understanding and support for people with ADHD and addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $395,320 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS131229-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289694 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ADHD or those experiencing difficulties with decision-making and impulse control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to decision-making processes or those who do not have ADHD may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different areas of the brain work together to select actions and make decisions. It focuses on the interactions between the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and superior colliculus, which are crucial for goal-directed behavior. By studying how these brain regions compete and cooperate to encode potential choices, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind decision-making processes. Patients may benefit from insights into how these processes can be influenced or improved, particularly in conditions like ADHD and addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving decision-making and behavioral control in patients with ADHD and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding decision-making processes in the brain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Nuo — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Li, Nuo
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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.