Neural mechanisms of crossmodal activity in blind and sighted individuals

Project Information

THE CROSSMODAL BRAIN

Grant agreement ID: 840670

DOI

10.3030/840670

Project terminated on 29 May 2025

EC signature date 25 April 2019

Start date 15 February 2020

End date 14 August 2025

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 162 806,40

EU contribution

€ 162 806,40

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - THE CROSSMODAL BRAIN (Neural mechanisms of crossmodal activity in blind and sighted individuals)

Reporting period: 2020-02-15 to 2022-02-14

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The primary visual cortex is traditionally considered a brain region exclusively dedicated to visual processing. Decades of research have focused on understanding its organization and role in visual perception. However, recent studies involving individuals who have been blind since birth challenge this conventional understanding. They reveal that, in the absence of visual input, the primary visual cortex is actively engaged during perception in other sensory modalities, such as hearing.

This neuroscience project aimed to investigate how the primary visual cortex is recruited during non-visual processing in blind individuals and to explore the functional relevance of this activity. Specifically, it examined whether auditory language perception is mediated by long-range cortico-cortical, multisensory, or mental imagery-based mechanisms in both blind and sighted participants.

The societal relevance of this research lies in its potential to advance our understanding of brain reorganization, offering new avenues for innovations in rehabilitation and assistive technology for individuals with sensory impairments.

The project combined scientific and training objectives. The scientific goal was to provide experimental evidence supporting neural models of crossmodal activity in congenitally blind and sighted individuals. The training goals were to deepen knowledge in neuroplasticity and ultra-high-field MRI, while simultaneously fostering technical proficiency and management skills.

Although the project faced delays due to pandemic-related disruptions and recruitment challenges, it successfully established a data processing pipeline and generated foundational data that can inform future research.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project began with a comprehensive literature review to sharpen hypotheses and refine the experimental direction. A controlled experimental paradigm was designed, using German-spoken sentences for functional MRI testing in both sighted and congenitally blind participants. A sophisticated data processing pipeline was developed using MATLAB and other multi-platform software tools. High-field MRI data were acquired, and technical protocols for laminar analysis were validated. In sighted participants, expected brain activations were confirmed in regions associated with auditory processing, mental imagery, and language, providing a valuable dataset for comparison to a congenitally blind population.

Throughout the project, significant training and technical development took place. Expertise in neuroplasticity and laminar MRI was deepened by engaging with field experts and academic content. Proficiency in Python and MATLAB was strengthened, supporting complex data analysis and statistical modelling. Additional professional development included courses in mindfulness, communication, and statistics.

Efforts to disseminate findings and share knowledge included oral presentations and networking events at multiple institutions. A dedicated website was created to highlight the research and its societal significance. A publicly available behavioural dataset was shared, and informal collaboration with peers facilitated technical exchange and support across related projects.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project contributed to advancements in laminar fMRI study design tailored to the investigation of crossmodal activation in individuals with congenital blindness. It also led to the development and refinement of data processing pipelines compatible with diverse technological platforms.

The potential impact includes strengthening scientific understanding of sensory reorganization, supporting the researcher’s professional growth, and enhancing knowledge exchange among academic partners. The project actively promoted inclusivity and accessibility through community engagement and open data-sharing.

Visualization of crossmodal brain project