How humans create mental maps of 3D spaces from visual information
Official title: From visual snapshots to allocentric representations of a 3D world
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10901351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains create mental maps of three-dimensional spaces just by looking at them, without needing to explore them physically, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how we navigate and perceive our surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32EY036266-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cognitive impairments related to spatial awareness, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no cognitive impairments or those who do not have conditions affecting spatial navigation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how humans form mental maps of three-dimensional spaces using visual information rather than physical exploration. By utilizing functional MRI (fMRI), the study aims to identify brain regions involved in creating these allocentric maps from afar. The research is divided into two main aims: one focuses on understanding the relationship between visual and navigable spaces, while the other emphasizes ecological validity in real-world scenarios. This approach could provide insights into how different brain systems contribute to spatial awareness and navigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of spatial cognition, potentially leading to improved therapies for conditions affecting navigation and memory.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in spatial neuroscience has shown promising results in understanding allocentric mapping, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafer-Skelton, Anna — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Shafer-Skelton, Anna
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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.