Understanding how the primate brain recognizes objects in complex visual scenes
Official title: Integrative circuit dissection in the behaving nonhuman primate
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11078845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how monkeys' brains combine what they see with what they already know to recognize objects in tricky visual situations, helping us understand how we all make sense of what we see.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $910,937 |
| NIH project number | 5U01NS131810-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with visual processing challenges or autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to visual processing or those who do not have access to the research location may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the primate brain integrates sensory information and prior knowledge to recognize objects in challenging visual environments. By using advanced techniques such as viral-based circuit tracing, optogenetics, and multiphoton imaging, the team aims to map the neural circuits involved in visual perception. The study will involve awake macaque monkeys to observe their behavior and brain activity as they process visual information. This approach will help uncover the neural computations that enable complex scene understanding and object recognition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of visual processing disorders and inform new treatments for conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding neural circuits related to sensory processing, making this approach promising but still innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasupathy, Anitha — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Pasupathy, Anitha
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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.