Zapping the brain to unlock reward learning secrets

NCT ID NCT06323057

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BEHAVIOR are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Rutgers University - Newark

    RECRUITING

    Newark, New Jersey, 07102, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••