Understanding how we feel and recognize objects through touch
Official title: The neural basis of stereognosis and its application to neuroprosthetics
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11016912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how our brains help us recognize objects just by feeling them, which is especially important for people who may rely on touch more than sight, and it could lead to better prosthetic devices that feel more natural.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $47,694 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134290-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with sensory processing disorders or those who have lost the ability to feel touch due to injury or illness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any sensory deficits or those who are not interested in neuroprosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how our brain processes touch and movement to help us recognize objects without seeing them, a skill known as stereognosis. It focuses on the integration of tactile signals from our fingertips and proprioceptive signals from our muscles to understand how we perceive the three-dimensional structure of objects. By studying specific brain areas involved in this process, the research aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that allow us to identify objects through haptic exploration. The findings could lead to advancements in neuroprosthetics, enhancing the ability of prosthetic devices to mimic natural touch sensations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve the design of neuroprosthetic devices, allowing users to have a more natural sense of touch.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory integration, but this specific approach to studying stereognosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheets, Drew — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sheets, Drew
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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.