How the brain processes visual information in mice
Official title: Visual representations across cortical areas
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-10908663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different parts of the brain in mice react to what they see, using cool technology and virtual reality to learn more about how the brain processes visual information and helps with sight-related behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would be individuals interested in the mechanisms of visual processing and those with conditions affecting vision or neural function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in visual processing or those not affected by visual or neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different areas of the brain in mice respond to visual stimuli, focusing on the primary visual cortex and higher visual areas. By using advanced imaging techniques and virtual reality, the study aims to understand how these brain areas represent complex visual information and support behaviors driven by sight. The researchers will analyze neuronal activity to uncover how visual information is coded and organized in the brain, providing insights into the neural circuitry involved in visual processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for visual and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding visual processing through similar methodologies, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Spencer Lavere — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Smith, Spencer Lavere
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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.