Understanding how the human brain reacts to different levels of threat.
Official title: Fractionating human defensive circuits across changing levels of threat imminence
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11078311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains react to different levels of fear and anxiety, aiming to find better ways to measure these reactions in people, especially since we know less about humans compared to animals, and it will also check if men and women respond differently, all to help us understand anxiety disorders better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $572,736 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133730-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing anxiety disorders or those interested in understanding their emotional responses to threats.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience anxiety or related emotional disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human brain's defensive circuits respond to varying levels of threat, such as fear and anxiety. It aims to develop new methods to measure these responses and behaviors in humans, addressing gaps in current understanding compared to animal studies. The project will also explore how these responses differ between sexes, providing insights into anxiety disorders. By creating innovative behavioral assays, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of emotional responses in real-time situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders by providing a clearer understanding of emotional responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding emotional responses in animal models, but this approach in humans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mobbs, Dean — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Mobbs, Dean
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.