Why some people act impulsively
Project 1: Impulsivity
Researchers are looking at genes, brain systems, and behavior that may make some people more likely to act on urges, especially around drug use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129641 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically diverse mouse lines to find genes and brain changes linked to impulsive behavior. Scientists will compare behavior, gene activity, and neural circuits across different genetic backgrounds to see how variants influence learning and impulse control. The team aims to connect those findings to risk for substance misuse and related behavioral traits. Results will guide future human studies and point to possible targets for prevention or treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high impulsivity or with current or past problems controlling drug or alcohol use could be candidates for future human studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for addiction are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-based research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal genes or brain targets that lead to better prevention or treatments for impulsivity-related substance problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human research has linked impulsivity to addiction and found some genetic signals, but using highly diverse mouse panels to map new variants is a relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Bar Harbor, United States
- Jackson Laboratory — Bar Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jentsch, J. David — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Jentsch, J. David
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 below.