Interactions between visual cortical neurons that give rise to conscious perception
Schedule
Monday, October 25, 2021
13:00 UTC
Pieter Roelfsema
Prof
Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
Host: Sussex Visions
Recording
Open recording
Event Information
Recording
Available
Host
Sussex Visions
Duration
70 minutes
Abstract
I will discuss the mechanisms that determine whether a weak visual stimulus will reach consciousness or not. If the stimulus is simple, early visual cortex acts as a relay station that sends the information to higher visual areas. If the stimulus arrives at a minimal strength, it will be stored in working memory and can be reported. However, during more complex visual perceptions, which for example depend on the segregation of a figure from the background, early visual cortex’ role goes beyond a simply relay. It now acts as a cognitive blackboard and conscious perception depends on it. Our results inspire new approaches to create a visual prosthesis for the blind, by creating a direct interface with the visual brain. I will discuss how high-channel-number interfaces with the visual cortex might be used to restore a rudimentary form of vision in blind individuals.
Topics
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