Understanding how the brain processes visual borders in primates
Border ownership and grouping in primate visual cortex
This study is looking at how the brains of macaque monkeys recognize the edges between objects and their backgrounds, helping us understand which brain cells are involved in this process and how it affects what they see.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10857246 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the primate brain assigns ownership to visual borders between objects and backgrounds. By studying macaque monkeys, the researchers aim to identify specific neurons in the visual cortex that are responsible for this border ownership perception. They will employ advanced techniques such as two-photon calcium imaging and electrophysiology to observe these neurons in action while the monkeys engage with visual stimuli. The goal is to uncover the neural circuits involved in this process and how they relate to visual perception.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with visual perception disorders or those interested in the neuroscience of vision.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to visual processing or those not experiencing visual perception issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for visual perception disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the study of border ownership in visual perception is established, the specific investigation of grouping cells in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franken, Tom P. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Franken, Tom P.
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 below.