A unified theory of how the primary visual cortex processes sight
Official title: Recurrent Circuit Model of Neural Response Dynamics in V1
Funded at New York University · NIH-11418899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A theory-driven project at NYU builds a realistic model of how the primary visual cortex (V1) works, to explain a wide range of visual brain signals and attention effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $463,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035242-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient group; foundational neuroscience research.
✕Less likely to help
Individual patients do not directly participate in this basic modeling study.
What this research studies
This project develops ORGaNICs, a class of brain circuit models, to predict how V1 responds to visual inputs across different conditions. Researchers will derive simple, closed-form expressions from the theory and compare them with existing experimental data, including response dynamics, gamma oscillations, and attentional modulation. The work aims to connect biophysical parameters with observable brain activity and perception, offering a coherent framework for understanding V1. If successful, the model could guide future studies and improve our understanding of visual processing in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the theory holds, it could improve our understanding of visual perception and inform new approaches to diagnosing and treating disorders that affect vision and attention.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results show predictions align with several known V1 phenomena, supporting potential utility of the approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heeger, David J — New York University
- Study coordinator: Heeger, David J
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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.