Neural plasticity in older adult human vision. This project aims to expand our understanding of age related changes in brain function, specifically plasticity. The project will increase knowledge of the role of an inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in visual plasticity. Expected outcomes include new knowledge regarding the regulation of brain function in adulthood, enabling future research and planning for societal benefit to older Australia.
The role of spike patterning in shaping human perception of tactile stimuli. Every touch sensation from our fingertips is conveyed to the brain through the nerves by means of electrical impulses similar to any digital device. Using unique technology developed in our lab we can intercept this neural communication and insert our own messages to test how these signals are interpreted and converted into perceptual experiences. We aim to reveal the rules by which timing of neural signal patterns shap ....The role of spike patterning in shaping human perception of tactile stimuli. Every touch sensation from our fingertips is conveyed to the brain through the nerves by means of electrical impulses similar to any digital device. Using unique technology developed in our lab we can intercept this neural communication and insert our own messages to test how these signals are interpreted and converted into perceptual experiences. We aim to reveal the rules by which timing of neural signal patterns shapes the perception of touch - specifically intensity and frequency of vibration. By recording signals from neurons and by testing human perception, we will learn about neural processing mechanisms. The new knowledge generated about sensory coding will be essential for rendering a virtual sense of touch.Read moreRead less
The encoding of friction by tactile mechanoreceptors - the key to fingertip force control during dexterous object manipulation by humans. Unmatched human ability to control the hand so that brittle objects are gently held without slipping, or being crushed by excessive force rely on sophisticated tactile sense in the fingertips. This project will record and analyse signals which human nerves are sending from fingertip receptors to the brain centres controlling hand actions.
Sensory mechanisms underlying human dexterity in object manipulation. This project aims to understand the sensory mechanisms and biomechanics underlying sensory encoding. Tactile sensory information is crucial for controlling grip forces so that delicate objects are held without slipping, or being crushed by excessive force. This project will record signals from single human tactile receptors using microneurography. By modelling the neural data with skin biomechanical events, this project aims t ....Sensory mechanisms underlying human dexterity in object manipulation. This project aims to understand the sensory mechanisms and biomechanics underlying sensory encoding. Tactile sensory information is crucial for controlling grip forces so that delicate objects are held without slipping, or being crushed by excessive force. This project will record signals from single human tactile receptors using microneurography. By modelling the neural data with skin biomechanical events, this project aims to reveal sensory mechanisms underlying the human ability to manipulate objects and use tools. This research could lead to next generation sensory-controlled prosthetics and robotic manipulators.Read moreRead less
Centre-surround interactions in ageing human vision. Australia has a rapidly ageing population. This project will study how ageing affects the visual perception of objects presented on non-uniform backgrounds. Our ability to discriminate objects from their backgrounds is key to most natural visual tasks. The visual processes involved are known as centre-surround interactions, and are considered fundamental building blocks to human perception. This project will significantly advance our knowledge ....Centre-surround interactions in ageing human vision. Australia has a rapidly ageing population. This project will study how ageing affects the visual perception of objects presented on non-uniform backgrounds. Our ability to discriminate objects from their backgrounds is key to most natural visual tasks. The visual processes involved are known as centre-surround interactions, and are considered fundamental building blocks to human perception. This project will significantly advance our knowledge of which spatial visual mechanisms are altered due to age, supplying key information for understanding and improving visual environments for the elderly, as well as increasing knowledge of the brain mechanisms susceptible to the ageing process.Read moreRead less
Identifying the basis for perceptual stability and perceptual omission during saccadic eye movements. The ability to explore the world via eye movements is an important feature of visual capabilities. This project will establish how the brain maintains the perception of a stable and stationary world despite the several eye movements made each second. This knowledge will fill a conspicuous gap in the understanding of the human visual system.
Application of high resolution functional brain imaging to the topographic organisation of object perception. This project will translate recent technological advancements for imaging the cortical areas responsible for visual perception such as object recognition and reading. It will produce brain maps of unprecedented detail, closing gaps in our present knowledge.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100433
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Cortical layer specific functional imaging of the human brain. This project aims to record layer specific cortical activity in humans by leveraging ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging. It expects to yield robust techniques for the general analysis of neuroimaging-based, layer-specific measurements. This project will progress the fields of cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging as well as bring the field of neuroimaging closer to that of neurophysiology and thus facilitate collaboration ....Cortical layer specific functional imaging of the human brain. This project aims to record layer specific cortical activity in humans by leveraging ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging. It expects to yield robust techniques for the general analysis of neuroimaging-based, layer-specific measurements. This project will progress the fields of cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging as well as bring the field of neuroimaging closer to that of neurophysiology and thus facilitate collaboration among researchers.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100508
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,948.00
Summary
How predictions affect visual processing across the cortical hierarchy . Unlike traditional theories of visual perception, recent evidence suggests what a person expects can fundamentally change how they see the world. However, the neuronal mechanisms which would allow expectation to affect perception are poorly understood. This project will use revolutionary recording techniques to determine how multiple brain regions interact to use predictions about the future to change visual processing. The ....How predictions affect visual processing across the cortical hierarchy . Unlike traditional theories of visual perception, recent evidence suggests what a person expects can fundamentally change how they see the world. However, the neuronal mechanisms which would allow expectation to affect perception are poorly understood. This project will use revolutionary recording techniques to determine how multiple brain regions interact to use predictions about the future to change visual processing. The expected outcome is understanding a fundamental theory of brain function for the first time at the level of single neurons. This project will contribute to a new understanding of central theories of how the brain allows us to see which will significantly enhance basic vision science.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101468
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,614.00
Summary
Context matters: from sensory processing to decision making. Contextual modulation refers to prominent changes in the processing of information in brain and perception caused by interactions across space and time. Over the past two decades, an enormous amount of work has shown that spatial contextual effects occur throughout the sensory processing hierarchy. However, there has been little work examining how temporal context effects affect information processing and operate for high-level attribu ....Context matters: from sensory processing to decision making. Contextual modulation refers to prominent changes in the processing of information in brain and perception caused by interactions across space and time. Over the past two decades, an enormous amount of work has shown that spatial contextual effects occur throughout the sensory processing hierarchy. However, there has been little work examining how temporal context effects affect information processing and operate for high-level attributes of stimuli as well as interactions of self and environment. The project aims to fill this gap to further understand the nature and mechanisms of temporal contextual modulation on sensory information processing, perception, perceptual judgement and decision making at cellular, circuit and cognitive levels.Read moreRead less