Understanding how the hippocampus helps with memory during exploration
Official title: Hippocampal-dependent spatial memory encoding during attentive processing from place
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11002013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the hippocampus helps rats remember where they are, especially when they stand on their hind legs to explore new places, and it could help us understand memory in both animals and people better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,406 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH135251-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with cognitive retention disorders or those interested in memory function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cognitive retention issues or are not interested in memory-related research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the hippocampus in spatial memory, particularly during a specific behavior called rearing, where animals stand on their hind legs. The study will use rats to explore how this behavior contributes to memory encoding and whether it is essential for learning about new environments. By employing advanced techniques like optogenetic modulation, researchers aim to understand the neuronal changes that occur during these moments of exploration. The findings could provide insights into how memory works in both animals and potentially humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of memory processes, which may lead to improved treatments for cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on rearing and its impact on spatial memory is novel, previous research has successfully explored hippocampal functions in memory, indicating potential for meaningful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman, Ehren L. — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Newman, Ehren L.
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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.