Understanding how visual experiences affect behavior in the brain
Official title: Experience-Dependent Plasticity in Superior Colliculus and Natural Visual Behavior
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11121546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps people with autism and PTSD see and respond to things visually, by examining certain brain cells in mice, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve their visual skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $65,426 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY032101-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or PTSD, particularly those experiencing visual processing challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurodevelopmental disorders or those not experiencing visual processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's ability to adapt to visual stimuli influences behaviors related to visual processing, particularly in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and conditions such as PTSD. By studying specific brain cells in the superior colliculus of mice, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow for changes in visual detection and pursuit behaviors. The findings could lead to targeted therapies that address visual processing deficits associated with these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve visual processing in individuals with autism and PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding visual processing in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoy, Jennifer Lyn — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Hoy, Jennifer Lyn
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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.