Understanding how different brain cells influence attention during visual tasks
Official title: Voltage dynamics of distinct cortical ensembles in visually guided behavior
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10851686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different brain cells help us pay attention to what we see, using mice to see how their brain activity changes when they focus on visual tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,669 |
| NIH project number | 5R34NS128890-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with attention-related disorders or those interested in the neurological basis of behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological impairments or those not able to participate in behavioral tasks may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of various types of brain cells in how attention affects visual processing. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will observe the electrical activity of specific neuron populations in mice as they engage in visually guided behaviors. The study aims to integrate targeted recording methods with optogenetic manipulation to explore how these cells interact and contribute to attention. This approach could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of perception and behavior in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of attention mechanisms, potentially leading to new treatments for attention-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain cell functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kannan, Madhuvanthi — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kannan, Madhuvanthi
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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.