Understanding how the brain processes touch and movement of the hand
Official title: Developing an Experimental and Computational Framework for Studying Neural Representations of Tactile Motion on the Hand
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10900628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brain combines the feeling of touch with where our hands are to help us better understand how we hold and move objects, which could lead to new ways of thinking about how we feel and move in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS133935-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing difficulties with hand movement or tactile perception, such as those with neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any issues related to hand movement or tactile perception may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain integrates tactile signals from the skin with the position of the hand to improve our understanding of object manipulation. It focuses on how neural signals related to touch are affected by the hand's movement and position, which is crucial for tasks like grasping and holding objects. By using advanced computational models and experimental techniques, the research aims to revise existing theories about tactile motion representation in the brain. This could lead to new insights into how we perceive touch and movement, especially in dynamic situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for conditions affecting hand function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding tactile perception, but this approach is novel as it incorporates dynamic hand movements into the analysis.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez-Ramirez, Manuel — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Gomez-Ramirez, Manuel
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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.