# Bi-directional neural interface for probing parallel visual pathways

> **NIH NIH R01** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $649,293

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The goal of this proposal is to develop a high-fidelity adaptive electrical interface to the retina and use it to
investigate the contributions of the parallel visual pathways (M and P, ON and OFF) to the perception and
behavior of macaque monkeys. The device will operate bi-directionally at the resolution of single cells and
single spikes, and will adapt itself to the diversity of cell types and locations in the host neural circuitry.
We build on our extensive work in isolated primate retina, which demonstrates the ability to electrically
stimulate and record nearly complete populations of retinal ganglion cells at single-cell, single-spike
resolution. We will develop the technologies needed to take this approach to the in vivo setting, and then
use them to probe visual function in behaving macaques, by pursuing three aims: (1) develop and test a
high-density, large-scale electrical recording and stimulation device, (2) develop surgical techniques, test
biocompatibility, and test functionality in anesthetized animals, and (3) probe the computations within and
between the M and P pathways and their role in motion vision. Our unique approach to these problems
relies on a team with extensive experience in neurophysiology, visual behavior, integrated circuits,
materials science, surgery, and signal processing. In addition to testing fundamental aspects of visual
function in novel ways, this work will produce a platform technology for other neural interfaces and a
functional prototype for a future retinal implant to treat incurable blindness.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10470807
- **Project number:** 5R01EY032900-02
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** EDUARDO CHICHILNISKY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $649,293
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10470807

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10470807, Bi-directional neural interface for probing parallel visual pathways (5R01EY032900-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10470807. Licensed CC0.

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