Understanding how the brain tracks sequences of actions across different species
Official title: Testing neural mechanisms of sequence monitoring in the frontal cortex across species: integrated fMRI and electrophysiology
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11051792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains keep track of the order of actions and events, which is important for everyone, especially for those with conditions like OCD, to help find better ways to treat these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $420,614 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131615-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other conditions that disrupt sequential behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any disorders affecting their ability to monitor sequences or those with unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in sequence monitoring, which is the brain's ability to track the order of actions or events. By using advanced imaging techniques like fMRI and electrophysiology, the study aims to explore how different areas of the brain, particularly the frontal cortex, contribute to this process. The findings could lead to new insights into disorders that disrupt sequential behaviors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), by identifying the specific brain functions involved. Patients may benefit from improved treatment strategies based on a better understanding of these neural mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for disorders that affect the ability to monitor and execute sequences of actions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to behavior monitoring, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Desrochers, Theresa Marie — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Desrochers, Theresa Marie
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.