How brain chemicals affect visual perception and decision-making
Official title: Neuromodulation in visual cortex
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10834248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals help us see things and make choices, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our brains work when we look at and respond to what we see.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035068-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions affecting attention, perception, or decision-making processes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders that severely impair cognitive function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific brain chemicals, acetylcholine and norepinephrine, in how we perceive visual information and make decisions. Using advanced techniques, the study will measure changes in these neurotransmitters in the visual cortex of awake subjects during tasks that require visual detection. By understanding how these chemicals influence our perception and decision-making processes, the research aims to lay the groundwork for future studies that could explore cognitive functions like attention and memory.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how to enhance cognitive functions related to perception and decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neurotransmitters in cognitive functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrera, Vincent P — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ferrera, Vincent P
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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.