NEI News
![Greater activation of neurons on one side of the superior colliculus versus the other signals the detection of a relevant event. Image credit: James Herman, Ph.D., National Eye Institute. A scale with left superior colliculus neurons more activated on left and right superior colliculus neurons less activated on the right, and scale weighed down to the left. Needle on scale points to “yes”, meaning detection of relevant event.](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181203223436im_/https://nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/news_homepage/public/neuronal_activity_scale.png?itok=AkYAJDTz)
NIH researchers discover neural code that predicts behavior
Posted on Nov 26, 2018Scientists at the National Eye Institute (NEI) have found that neurons in the superior colliculus, an ancient midbrain structure found in all vertebrates, are key players in allowing us to detect visual objects and events.
![Images show multimodal technique using adaptive optics and angiography to simultaneously see photoreceptors (left), retinal pigment epithelial cells (center), and choriocapillaris in the living human eye. Images show multimodal technique using adaptive optics and angiography to simultaneously see photoreceptors (left), retinal pigment epithelial cells (center), and choriocapillaris in the living human eye.](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181203223436im_/https://nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/news_homepage/public/photoreceptors_RPE_choriocapillaris2.jpg?itok=F22YmMBE)
NIH scientists combine technologies to view the retina in unprecedented detail
Posted on Nov 14, 2018By combining two imaging modalities—adaptive optics and angiography—investigators at the National Eye Institute (NEI) can see live neurons, epithelial cells, and blood vessels deep in the eye’s light-sensing retina. Resolving these tissues and cells in the outermost region of the retina in such unprecedented detail promises to transform the detection and treatment of diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among the elderly.
![A recent study suggests that an initial period of blurred vision may help children recognize faces later on in life. Credit: NEI A recent study suggests that an initial period of blurred vision may help children recognize faces later on in life. Credit: NEI](https://webharvest.gov/congress115th/20181203223436im_/https://nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/news_homepage/public/baby_0.jpg?itok=Rxr2OQvg)
NIH-funded study proposes blurry vision in babies may guide brain development
Posted on Nov 5, 2018Shortly after birth when the world is a blur, babies may be learning to identify patterns. According to a new study funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), the initial phase of blurry vision may be fundamental to the development of normal visual processing.