Eye Movements And The Neural Representation Of Visual Space
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,061.00
Summary
This project will investigate the brain mechanisms that underlie our ability to perceive the locations of objects using vision. This fundamental ability supports a range of important functions including visually-guided reaching, navigation during walking, and spatial awareness, but remains poorly understood. Using physiological, behavioural, and analytical methods, this project will fill a key knowledge gap in visual neuroscience and form a basis for a range of clinical and biomedical advances.
Ictal Characteristics Of Common Vestibular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$281,573.00
Summary
vertigo is a disabling symptom affecting 1 million Australians at any given time. Acute vertigo is associated with abnormal eye movements or nystagmus, the pattern of which points to its origin. In this project, we extract the unique characteristics of distinct vertigo syndromes to enable their separation
Novel Approaches To Understanding Peripheral Vision In Patients With Central Vision Loss
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,101.00
Summary
The aim of my research is to develop novel interventions that enhance the peripheral vision of patients with central vision loss, and to investigate the neural correlates of visual perception in peripheral vision in typical adults. My research will inform rehabilitation strategies that optimise the visual function of patients with partial blindness, and provide a more thorough understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms that reduce the quality of peripheral vision.
The Role Of Vestibular Efferents In The Mammalian Vestibulo-ocular Reflex.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,341.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to determine how a group of nerve fibres that travel from the brain to the balance organ alter balance function in mammals. Balance function in mice will be tested under conditions that modify the balance system response. Results will be compared between normal mice and mutant mice in which these nerves do not function. This work will determine how these nerves alter balance function and whether they are a viable target for future patient treatments.
Mechanisms And Pathways Leading To Saccadic Suppression In Primate Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$858,086.00
Summary
Only the central few degrees of the visual field are viewed in high resolution. Consequently, the eyes must be pointed at targets of interest using saccadic eye movements. Each saccade generates potentially disturbing image motion but this is never perceived: saccadic suppression. This project aims to characterise the neural basis of saccadic suppression using modern techniques. As a result, a prime question in Neuroscience for over 100 years can now be answered.
The Functional Organisation And Signals Of Motion Sensitive Neurons In The Middle-temporal Area Of Visual Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,337.00
Summary
Some nerve cells in the cerebral cortex are very sensitive to visual motion. These neurons direct eye movements and provide motion perception, but the "neuronal code" they carry is poorly understood. We will address this basic question in experimental studies of the primate visual system. This project will help us understand visual performance; poor motion vision is an early indicator of many neurological disorders and this knowledge can help develop methods for their detection and diagnosis.
This is a study of the senses which arise from our muscles and which tell us where our different body parts are, at any point in time. These senses, collectively called proprioception, are also involved in the automatic, unconscious control of our muscles. So, ultimately, they allow us to stand and to move freely with precision and confidence, even in the dark. One of these senses, the sense of effort or of heaviness, is believed to be generated within the brain. It intensifies when we become fa ....This is a study of the senses which arise from our muscles and which tell us where our different body parts are, at any point in time. These senses, collectively called proprioception, are also involved in the automatic, unconscious control of our muscles. So, ultimately, they allow us to stand and to move freely with precision and confidence, even in the dark. One of these senses, the sense of effort or of heaviness, is believed to be generated within the brain. It intensifies when we become fatigued. These experiments will be concerned with finding out more about how this works. We have a method that uses magnetic stimulation of the brain to change its control of our muscles. Using it we will learn how this sense is generated. When we close our eyes and move our limbs we realise that we know exactly where they are at any point in time. It remains uncertain exactly how this information is generated within the nervous system. One idea, arising from some recent experiments which we want to test, is that as we move the limb, the skin over the moving parts is stretched and stretch-sensitive nerve endings in the skin provide us with information about the movement. Alternatively, perhaps it is the effort we exert to maintain limb position against the force of gravity which tells us where the limb is. In another recent study we have found that when a muscle has become painful from excessive exercise or from some local strain injury, our ability to control the muscle and so move the limb is no longer as effective. We want to study the underlying nervous mechanisms responsible for the changes in movement control. Are they designed to spare the muscle while it recovers from injury? How are they brought about? All of this work is important for a better understanding of ourselves, for a better clinical diagnosis when something goes wrong and for improved treatment of diseased or injured muscles.Read moreRead less