Zapping the brain to unlock reward learning secrets

NCT ID NCT06323057

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can alter brain signals related to reward processing. Researchers will apply TMS to the frontal cortex of 28 healthy adults while they perform decision-making tasks. The goal is to see if TMS can increase or decrease a specific brain wave linked to how we respond to rewards, and whether this affects learning and choices.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help researchers understand how to influence reward-related brain activity, potentially informing future treatments for conditions like addiction or depression.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, so results may not apply to clinical populations. TMS may cause mild discomfort or headache, but serious risks are rare.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BEHAVIOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rutgers University - Newark
RECRUITING

Newark, New Jersey, 07102, United States

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