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How the brain interprets motion while in motion

June 13, 2022

Greg DeAngelis, University of Rochester, discovered a novel mechanism that helps the brain detect object motion during self-motion. The research offers new insights into how the brain interprets sensory information and may have applications in designing artificial intelligence devices and developing treatments and therapies to treat brain disorders.

Woman crossing a stream in the woods

National Eye Institute

“While much has been learned previously about how the brain processes visual motion, most laboratory studies of neurons have ignored the complexities introduced by self-motion,” DeAngelis says. “Under natural conditions, identifying how objects move in the world is much more challenging for the brain.”

The research may additionally have important applications in developing treatments and therapies for neural disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.