Understanding how early visual motion areas develop and interact
Official title: Early development of higher visual motion area PSS mechanisms and consequences
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10989944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain that helps us see motion develops and works with another important area for vision, to see if they can function on their own, which could help us understand how our vision grows and changes over time.
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) | $426,801 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035807-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals under 21 years old who may have visual processing issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over 21 years old or those without visual processing concerns may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of the higher visual motion area PSS and its interactions with the primary visual cortex (V1) during early visual development. It challenges the traditional view that V1 is the sole driver of visual area development by exploring whether PSS can operate independently of V1. The study will utilize advanced techniques such as retrograde tracers and neural activity manipulations to assess the roles of these areas in motion direction selectivity. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to provide insights into the flexibility of visual 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 this research explores a novel approach to understanding visual development, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the interactions between different visual areas.
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.
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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.