Understanding how visual experiences affect brain responses in fish.
Official title: Examining how visual experience modulates the thalamus and visuomotor responses.
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10875846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how seeing things affects the brain and movement in young zebrafish, which helps us understand how vision develops and why some people might struggle with conditions like lazy eye.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $443,599 |
| NIH project number | 1R15EY036226-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing visual impairments, particularly children with amblyopia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed visual systems or those without visual impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how visual experiences influence the thalamus and visuomotor responses, particularly during a critical developmental period. Using larval zebrafish as a model, the study aims to explore the mechanisms of visual plasticity, which is essential for refining visual processing. By examining how the absence of visual input affects brain circuitry, the research seeks to uncover the underlying processes that contribute to conditions like amblyopia. The approach combines behavioral assessments with advanced imaging techniques to analyze changes in brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating visual impairments such as amblyopia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using animal models to study visual plasticity, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horstick, Eric James — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Horstick, Eric James
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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.