How sound influences visual processing in the brain
Official title: Top-down modulation of visual processing: mechanisms and functions
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-10770494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how sounds can change the way our brain sees things, especially in the early stages of visual processing, to help us understand how our senses work together and adapt to what we need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $412,034 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030860-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10770494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early signs of cognitive decline, such as those with prodromal Alzheimer's disease, as well as those with visual or auditory processing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established Alzheimer's disease or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sounds can enhance or alter the way our brain processes visual information, particularly in early visual areas. By examining the interactions between auditory and visual stimuli, the study aims to uncover the cellular and network mechanisms that allow our brain to adapt visual processing based on sound cues. The research utilizes a model that focuses on the visual cortex, specifically looking at how neurons respond to visual stimuli in the presence of sound. This could lead to a better understanding of how our senses work together and how this integration can be flexible depending on our behavioral goals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of sensory processing, potentially leading to better treatments for visual and auditory processing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory integration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polack, Pierre- Olivier — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Polack, Pierre- Olivier
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.