Investigating how early visual experiences affect brain circuitry for recognizing objects
Effects of abnormal early experience on IT circuitry
This study is looking at how unusual visual experiences can change the way our brains recognize things like faces and places, and it's for anyone curious about how our vision works and how it might be affected by what we see.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10700410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how abnormal early visual experiences can alter the brain's object-recognition circuitry, particularly in the inferotemporal cortex. By manipulating visual experiences in both adult humans and monkeys, the study aims to understand how specific types of visual input influence the brain's ability to recognize different object categories, such as faces and places. The methodology involves detailed assessments of neuronal selectivity in response to these experiences, providing insights into the development of visual processing in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of abnormal visual experiences or conditions affecting visual recognition.
Not a fit: Patients with normal visual experiences and no cognitive or visual recognition disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of visual recognition disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding visual processing through similar experimental approaches, indicating potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Livingstone, Margaret S — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Livingstone, Margaret S
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.