How rodents use their whiskers to sense their environment
CRCNS : Thalamocortical vs. recurrent connectivity in active sensation of vibrissa touch
This study looks at how rodents use their whiskers to feel and understand their surroundings better, helping us learn more about how all mammals, including us, process sensory information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161808 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how rodents utilize their whiskers to gather sensory information from their surroundings. By studying the rhythmic movements of whiskers, the researchers aim to understand the neural circuits involved in active sensing and how these movements help in accurately perceiving object positions. The approach includes advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy to observe neuronal activity in real-time as the animals interact with their environment. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of sensory processing in mammals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with sensory processing disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have sensory processing issues or related neurological conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing, potentially leading to new treatments for sensory processing disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding sensory processing through similar methodologies, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleinfeld, David — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kleinfeld, David
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 below.