How visual experiences change the brain's response in mice
Official title: Mechanisms of experience dependent plasticity in mouse visual cortex
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11162625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how seeing things over and over can change how the brain of adult mice reacts, especially when those sights come with rewards, to help us understand how our experiences shape our brains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,958 |
| NIH project number | 1F30EY037573-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be adults experiencing visual processing issues or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to visual processing or those under 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how repeated visual experiences can alter the brain's response in the visual cortex of adult mice. By using advanced imaging techniques and behavioral training, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these changes, particularly when visual stimuli are associated with rewards. The researchers will manipulate specific genes to observe how these adaptations occur at the cellular level, providing insights into the relationship between sensory experiences and brain plasticity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing and lead to new treatments for visual impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain plasticity through similar experimental approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Victoria — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Fan, Victoria
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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.