Transforming visual signals in the brain

How does the brain represent information about the external world? Why do we have so many distinct brain areas? How is the representation of information transformed between connected brain areas in order to ultimately guide perception and behaviour? We are able to record neural activity simultaneously from dozens of neurons in multiple areas of the brain (focussing on V1, V2 and MT). This project will first examine how the electrical activity of small populations of neurons in one area "represent" the properties of visual stimuli (e.g. their position, oriention and motion). Next, we will examine how neurons in a second area receive and transform the signals they receive from the first area. Ultimately, this project will give us insights into how the computations that occur within and between connected brain areas.