Understanding how the brain processes color and light in vision

Thalamocortical mechanisms producing spatial chromatic contrast in mouse V1

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11002719

This study is looking at how the brain helps us see colors and shapes together, using mice to learn more about how our eyes and brain work together, which could help us understand vision problems in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11002719 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural mechanisms that allow the brain to integrate color and form into coherent visual scenes, which is crucial for our interaction with the environment. Using mice as a model organism, the study aims to uncover how the early visual system processes color and luminance contrasts to create spatial chromatic contrast. By measuring the responses of neurons in the primary visual cortex and the lateral geniculate nucleus, the research seeks to clarify the thalamocortical networks involved in visual feature integration. This could provide insights into the underlying causes of visual impairments seen in various disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with visual processing disorders or conditions affecting color perception.

Not a fit: Patients with purely structural eye problems that do not involve neural processing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of visual processing, potentially informing treatments for visual impairments associated with neuropsychiatric and ophthalmologic disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding visual processing mechanisms in animal models, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.