Understanding how we learn and remember new information over time and during sleep
Official title: Learning novel structure across time and sleep
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11041178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains learn and remember new places, like when you explore a new city, and it’s for anyone curious about how memory works, especially how sleep helps us remember things better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $339,459 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129436-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would include individuals experiencing memory difficulties or those interested in understanding memory processes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those unable to participate in fMRI procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain, particularly the hippocampus, learns and retains new information about our environment, such as navigating a new city. It uses advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI to observe brain activity while participants engage in tasks that require them to integrate information from different experiences. The study aims to clarify how our brains encode and store this information, especially during sleep, which may play a crucial role in memory consolidation. By developing a neural network model, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind learning and memory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory and learning, potentially benefiting individuals with memory impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory processes through similar imaging techniques, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schapiro, Anna C — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Schapiro, Anna C
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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.