Objective
Imposing structure and interpretation on the multitude of sensory input we collect constantly through our senses is a primordial aspect of brain functioning. When scanning our surroundings we automatically segregate the visual scene into objects versus background. Although seemingly happening without any effort, the underlying computations performed by the brain are massive. Perceiving ambiguous figures exemplifies this complexity clearly. In case of the famous Rubin Face-Vase illusion we can perceive either faces or vases as figures against a background. Moreover we are able to consciously switch between percepts.
Previous studies in the non-human primate have shown that already at the very early stages of visual processing neurons respond differently when stimulated by part of the visual scene belonging to an object than to the background. It is proposed that feedback connections from higher visual areas drive this figure-background modulation, but currently no technologies exist to examine this hypothesis adequately in the primate brain.
Recently, Heimel (NIN) discovered the same figure-background effect in the visual cortex of the mouse. The possibility to easily manipulate neuronal activity in mice by illuminating the cortex will enable me to examine the function of feedback connections during figure-background modulation, a process also important for conscious vision.
After thorough mapping of single and laminar response properties of V1 neurons in a figure-ground modulation paradigm, I will chart its network, i.e. characterize the information flow from V1 to higher areas, in real-time and with single cell resolution by means of two-photon calcium imaging. Both protocols are available and ready-to-use at the NIN. Finally, while recording single/laminar neural activity in V1, I will turn to transgenic mouse lines expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and individual viral injections of archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch), to modulate/prevent feedback activity into V1.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy primatology
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkaline earth metals
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
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Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
1011 JV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
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