Understanding how the brain controls smooth eye movements
Official title: Neural mechanisms of visual-motor control in smooth pursuit eye movement
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10915704 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain helps us smoothly follow moving things with our eyes, using non-human primates to learn about the different brain areas that work together to make this happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $638,312 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035241-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915704 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with disorders affecting eye movement or visual processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable eye movement and no visual processing disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in controlling smooth pursuit eye movements, which are essential for tracking moving objects. By studying non-human primates, the researchers will analyze how different brain regions communicate and process visual information to guide these eye movements. The study will involve recording neural signals from specific areas of the brain while varying visual stimuli to understand the transformation of signals between these regions. This approach aims to uncover the intricate connections and functions of the neural circuits responsible for visual-motor control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions affecting eye movement and visual tracking.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural mechanisms of eye movements, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lisberger, Stephen G — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lisberger, Stephen G
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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.