RELEASE RECEIPT


Study Links Emotions And Memory
U.VA. RESEARCHER ONE OF 10 NIH AWARD WINNERS

            CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Oct. 10 -- The National Institute of Mental 
Health recently awarded University of Virginia researcher Cedric Williams 
nearly $500,000 to continue his investigation into understanding the 
biological basis of memory functioning.
             The National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants Research 
Scientist Development Awards annually to about 10 researchers whose work 
shows unusual promise.  Williams, who learned this summer that he was one of 
the award recipients, received $492,556, which will fund expenses related to 
his research into the neurobiological roots of memory.
             An assistant professor of psychology at U.Va., Williams is 
researching how the brain transforms emotional experiences into memories.  
Emotional events release hormones, which in turn, influence how effectively 
the brain processes information.  
       "By researching the effects of these chemicals on brain functioning, 
we will not only understand how the human brain transforms experiences into 
memories, but also gain insight into the underlying cause of some memory 
disorders," said Williams.
              The Research Scientist Development Award is regarded as a high 
honor since selection is based on a peer-review process, said Dr. Steve Foote, 
chief of NIH's Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience Research branch.  
"Selection for this award is a highly competitive process where scientists 
from across the country rank applicants according to scientific merit." 
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                                                          October 9, 1997
             For more information, contact Cedric William at (804) 982-4750.  
Television reporters should call our TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.