Understanding how the brain focuses on visual information
Official title: Neuronal mechanisms of selective visual attention
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11031555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains help us focus on what we see, using a simple animal model to learn more about the brain cells involved, which could help us understand visual attention in everyone, including those with brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $123,794 |
| NIH project number | 1K99EY036889-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may experience difficulties with attention or have been diagnosed with ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visual attention issues due to non-neurological causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind visual attention, which is the ability to focus on specific visual stimuli. By using an invertebrate model, the study aims to uncover how certain neurons in the brain contribute to this process. The research will involve precise genetic targeting and manipulation of neural circuits to observe how visual attention is generated and maintained. This could provide insights into how visual attention functions in both healthy individuals and those with neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for conditions like ADHD and other disorders affecting visual attention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding visual attention mechanisms using animal models, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frighetto, Giovanni — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Frighetto, Giovanni
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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.