Understanding how different parts of the brain affect visual attention
Official title: Dissecting distinct contributions of different Prefrontal subregions on goal-directed visual attention
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10985404 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help us focus on what we see, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how to improve attention and visual processing for people who struggle with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,734 |
| NIH project number | 1K99EY035752-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985404 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or similar attention-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without attention-related disorders or those who do not experience visual processing challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific areas of the prefrontal cortex influence visual attention by modulating activity in the visual cortex. Using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study will analyze the contributions of the anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex during various visual tasks. By examining the neural pathways involved, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better interventions for disorders related to visual processing and attention. The findings could provide insights into how to enhance goal-directed visual attention in individuals with attention-related challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with attention disorders, enhancing their ability to focus and process visual information.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the prefrontal cortex in cognitive functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aehrlund Richter, Sofie — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Aehrlund Richter, Sofie
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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.