Understanding how the brain aligns visual and auditory information for better spatial awareness
Official title: Developmental mechanisms underlying visual and auditory topographic map alignment and accurate spatial orienting behavior
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-10988017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain helps us use what we see and hear to find things around us, using mice to learn more about how this ability develops, which could help us understand challenges faced by people with conditions like Autism and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $589,212 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY035791-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old diagnosed with Autism or ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sensory processing disorders unrelated to Autism or ADHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain integrates visual and auditory information to help us locate objects in our environment. By studying mice, the researchers aim to uncover the developmental mechanisms that allow for effective multisensory integration (MSI) and spatial orienting behaviors. They will analyze neuronal responses in the superior colliculus, a brain region involved in processing sensory information, during critical developmental periods. The findings could provide insights into how these processes are affected in developmental disorders like Autism and ADHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for individuals with Autism and ADHD, enhancing their spatial awareness and sensory processing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding multisensory integration, but this specific approach to studying developmental mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldheim, David a — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Feldheim, David a
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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.