Investigating how early visual motion areas develop and interact in the brain
Official title: Early development of higher visual motion area PSS mechanisms and consequences
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11249005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $25,762 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY035807-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed visual systems and no history of visual processing issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nielsen, Kristina J. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nielsen, Kristina J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.