Investigating how early visual motion areas develop and interact in the brain
Early development of higher visual motion area PSS mechanisms and consequences
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain that help us see and understand motion develop together in primates and ferrets, and it’s for anyone interested in how our brains learn to process what we see, especially when it comes to movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249005 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the development of visual motion areas in the brain, specifically focusing on how the motion area MT in primates and its homolog PSS in ferrets develop alongside the primary visual cortex (V1). The study aims to understand the interactions between these areas during early visual development, particularly how they influence each other in processing motion direction. Using advanced techniques like retrograde tracers and neural activity manipulation, the research will assess whether PSS can operate independently of V1 and how feedback from PSS might affect V1's development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with developmental visual disorders or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of visual processing.
Not a fit: Patients with fully developed visual systems and no history of visual processing issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing and potentially lead to improved treatments for visual disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of investigating early visual area interactions is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding visual processing in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nielsen, Kristina J. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nielsen, Kristina J.
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.