Understanding how the front part of the brain helps with thinking and decision-making
Official title: Narrowing the mechanistic gap for anterior prefrontal cortex function
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11164746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific part of the brain that helps with thinking and making decisions, using advanced imaging technology to learn more about how it works in healthy adults, which could eventually help improve treatments for mental health conditions like schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $595,173 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133637-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are neurotypical adults aged 21 and older who are interested in contributing to our understanding of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those with significant mental health disorders may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the anterior lateral prefrontal cortex (aLPFC), a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in reasoning, planning, and decision-making. By using advanced MRI technology, the study aims to explore the anatomy and function of this brain region in healthy adults, addressing challenges such as individual differences in brain structure and the lack of precise animal models. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how this area contributes to cognitive processes, which could inform treatments for mental health disorders like schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive disorders affecting decision-making and reasoning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain function through advanced imaging techniques, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bunge, Silvia a. — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Bunge, Silvia a.
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.