Understanding how early vision shapes brain development
Development of domains in inferotemporal cortex
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11055377
This work explores how early visual experiences influence the brain's ability to recognize objects like faces and places.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11055377 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains have special areas that help us recognize different things we see, such as faces, words, or locations. This project looks at how these specialized areas develop in the brain, especially focusing on how early visual experiences might change them. We want to understand if unusual early vision affects how the brain learns to process what it sees. The goal is to discover how specific visual experiences in early life can alter how brain cells become specialized for different types of object recognition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve human patients but aims to inform future understanding of human brain development, particularly in infants and children with visual processing challenges.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from participating in this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand conditions where early visual experiences are disrupted, potentially leading to new ways to support healthy brain development.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that visual experience is crucial for brain development, and this work builds upon that knowledge to explore specific effects of abnormal early experiences.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIVINGSTONE, MARGARET S — HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- Study coordinator: LIVINGSTONE, MARGARET S
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.