Investigating how the brain can adapt to artificial visual signals in blind mice

Optical thalamic prosthesis analog for investigating V1 plasticity in blind adult mice

['FUNDING_R21'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-10770457

This study is looking at a new type of eye prosthesis that could help the brain of blind mice learn to understand artificial visual signals, which might lead to better vision aids for people.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10770457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the potential of a new optical prosthesis to help the brain adapt to artificial visual signals in blind adult mice. By focusing on the primary visual cortex, the study aims to understand how the brain can reconfigure itself to process these signals effectively. The approach involves using advanced neuroprosthetic technology to simulate visual input and assess the brain's plasticity in response to this stimulation. This could provide insights into improving visual prosthetics for humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced vision loss and are interested in potential treatments involving visual prosthetics.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that affect the thalamocortical circuitry or those who are not candidates for visual prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advancements in visual prosthetics that enhance the ability of individuals with vision loss to interpret artificial visual information.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant progress in neuroprosthetic devices for hearing, this specific approach to visual prosthetics in adults is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.