Understanding how vision and touch work together to perceive 3D shapes

CONVERGENT PROCESSING ACROSS VISUAL AND HAPTIC CIRCUITS FOR 3D SHAPE PERCEPTION

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10720137

This study is looking at how our brains use both sight and touch to help us recognize and interact with 3D objects, and it's being done with monkeys to learn more about how these senses work together.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10720137 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how our brain processes information from both vision and touch to recognize and interact with three-dimensional objects. By studying the neural circuits involved in these sensory modalities, the researchers aim to uncover how haptic (touch) and visual information converge to enhance our perception of object shapes. The study involves advanced techniques to record neural activity in monkeys while they engage in tasks that require them to discriminate between different 3D shapes using both sight and touch. This innovative approach could lead to a deeper understanding of sensory integration in the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting their sensory perception, such as visual or tactile deficits.

Not a fit: Patients with purely cognitive or non-sensory related conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve therapies and technologies for individuals with sensory processing disorders or visual impairments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory integration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.