Network properties of colour pathways in primates. [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Paul Martin (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Ulrike Grunert ,  Dr Peter Buzas ,  Prof Barry Lee

Brief description This project concerns the way in which the eye and brain work together, to enable perception of the colour, form, and movements of objects in the visual world. It is thought that these different attributes of the visual environment are signalled by several parallel nerve pathways in the visual system, but the nature of the neuronal code carried by these pathways remains poorly understood. The aim of our project is to address this basic question, in experimental studies of the intact primate visual system. We plan two sets of experiments. Firstly, we will test the hypothesis that signals for both high-acuity form vision and red-green colour vision can be carried along a single neuronal pathway. We will determine whether response timing in nerve pathways provides a clue by which colour and brightness variation in the environment can be discriminated. Secondly, we will study the segregation of colour and acuity-related signals in the brain, using the method of functional optical imaging. This method, which allows nerve activity to be monitored at high resolution, over relatively large areas of the brain surface (cortex), will allow us test the hypothesis that colour signals are segregated to distinct regions of the visual cortex. These experiments address basic questions, but have application to human vision and visual dysfunction. Good acuity is essential for everyday tasks such as reading, and specific defects in colour vision are used for early detection of neurological dysfunction in diseases such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the properties of neurons which underlie visual perception can thus help us to understand normal visual performance, and to develop better methods for detection and treatments for such disorders.

Funding Amount $AUD 594,891.09

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant