Program Summary
Negative impacts of stress on the cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being of warfighters is irrefutable. Recent technological developments in neuroscience present the opportunity to address these challenges as never before. Novel molecular biological techniques, coupled with in vivo measurement technologies, can allow assessment of the effects of stress with extreme temporal and anatomical precision, leading to a better understanding of stress and opportunities for intervention.
The Enabling Stress Resistance program will create a comprehensive, quantitative description of the impact of stress on the brain by leveraging revolutionary technologies and recent advances in molecular neurobiology, neuroimaging, and molecular pathway modeling. This program's objective is a proactive approach to stress mitigation starting with the development of a comprehensive animal model of the complex effects of multiple stressors on the brain. The program strives to develop and implement cognitive, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions that will prevent the deleterious effects of stress on warfighters.