Understanding how the brain signals choices in foraging behavior
Official title: Transformation of value in the basal ganglia
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11130296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps mice make choices about finding food, which can teach us more about how decision-making works and could help us understand conditions like anxiety and depression better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $484,546 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH137028-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, as well as those interested in cognitive function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to decision-making or cognitive function may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes information about the costs and benefits of different choices during foraging, which is essential for survival. Using a specially designed task for mice, the study aims to explore how the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain, influence decision-making by encoding value and choice. The researchers will manipulate and monitor neural activity to understand how these signals affect behavior, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of decision-making. This work could help clarify the neural circuits involved in cognitive functions related to anxiety and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms behind decision-making, potentially informing treatments for anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding neural circuits related to decision-making, making this approach promising yet still novel in its specific focus on foraging behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Julia — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Cox, Julia
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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.