How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use
NEI - National Eye Institute
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY: This application is for F30 support of Madeline Ragland during the remainder of her MD-PhD training. The scientific focus of Madeline’s proposal is to analyze the ways in which top-down processing changes with central vision loss. Macular degeneration (MD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and can lead to impairments in daily functions like reading, cooking, and driving. However, some patients are able to compensate for these impairments through increased use of their peripheral vision. At the moment, the field does not have a clear understanding of the brain changes that arise following central vision loss. However, previous task-based fMRI papers in patients with MD have suggested that one potential change that might occur is a strengthening of feedback signals to primary visual cortex (V1), from higher order brain regions involved in cognitive processing (also known as top-down feedback). Top-down influences on visual processing are important for analyzing visual scenes, attending to specific areas of visual space and filtering out task-unrelated information. Therefore, one hypothesis that could explain why certain patients with central vision loss have fewer deficits than others is due increased feedback signals from higher order brain regions to peripheral V1. However, there has not been a study to definitively test this hypothesis. This proposal seeks to understand the behavioral and neural changes that result from increased use of peripheral vision, specifically examining the changes in top-down processing. A simulated model of central vision loss will be used where participants will be trained on a novel perceptual learning task to improve visual processing of peripheral vision. This intervention is part of a clinical trial being run by Dr. Kristina Visscher and Dr. Aaron Seitz. Changes in top-down processing will be assessed using a previously defined psychophysical task and through analysis of functional connectivity patterns in a task-based fMRI study. The knowledge gained from this proposal will help the field gain a better understanding of plasticity in adulthood and will help guide recommendations for rehabilitative strategies for patients with macular degeneration. More broadly, understanding how top-down processing changes with experience can be applied to other neuropsychiatric disorders where feedback signals are dysregulated in order to further explore how these networks can be modulated for therapeutic benefit. Madeline’s long term career goal is to run an academic research lab to better understand mechanisms of plasticity in neuropsychiatric disorders. To accomplish this goal, this project has been designed to deepen her understanding of systems neuroscience and computational methods so she can translate this theoretical knowledge into clinical applications such as alternative therapeutic strategies. Under the mentorship of UAB MSTP, Neuroengineering Program and Dr. Kristina Visscher, Madeline will have the tools and support necessary to accomplish the goals outlined in this proposal.
Grant Summary
How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $44K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2030-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $44K
2030-05-31
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How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use?
How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use provide?
How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use provides up to $44K per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use deadline?
Applications for How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use are due 2030-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use?
To apply for How Top-Down Processing Changes with Increased Peripheral Vision Use, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.