Understanding how the brain recognizes objects despite changes

Investigating invariant motion encoding in mouse visual cortex

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10994831

This study is looking at how the brain helps us recognize objects, like a cup or a chair, even when they look different, such as when they’re moved or resized, and it’s designed for anyone curious about how our brains understand what we see.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10994831 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain's visual cortex processes and recognizes objects even when their appearance changes, such as in size or position. By studying the neural mechanisms involved in this process, the research aims to uncover how different types of invariance, like direction and spatial invariance, are computed in the brain. The approach involves advanced techniques like 2-photon imaging in animal models, specifically mice, to observe how neurons respond to various visual stimuli. This could provide insights into the fundamental workings of perception and how the brain interprets complex visual information.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with visual perception challenges or disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to visual processing or those who do not experience perceptual difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual perception, potentially leading to improved treatments for visual processing disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding visual processing through similar methodologies, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.