Understanding how the brain adapts to visual information for better behavior
Official title: Adaptive population codes for flexible visually-guided behaviors
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11048763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains adjust to changes in light and familiar sights to help us see better and use less energy, which could help us understand how we drive and react to different situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,958 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EY025872-15 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with visual processing disorders or those interested in cognitive enhancement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable visual processing and no cognitive impairments may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes visual information by adapting to changes in light and frequently seen stimuli. It explores the idea that reducing redundancy in neural codes can lead to more efficient processing, allowing the brain to conserve energy while maintaining accuracy. By studying animal models and utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, the research aims to uncover how these adaptive mechanisms support flexible behaviors, such as driving. The findings could provide insights into how our visual system manages information over time and under varying conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for visual and cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural adaptation and processing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serences, John T — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Serences, John T
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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.