Understanding how the brain processes color and light in vision
Official title: Thalamocortical mechanisms producing spatial chromatic contrast in mouse V1
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11002719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,404 |
| NIH project number | 5F30EY034775-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with visual processing disorders or conditions affecting color perception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely structural eye problems that do not involve neural processing may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santiago Moreno, Juan Gabriel — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Santiago Moreno, Juan Gabriel
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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.