Abstract
The brain’s ability to process sensory information is rooted in its complex neural architecture. In particular, the primary visual cortex (V1) plays a pivotal role in encoding and interpreting dynamic visual stimuli, such as speed and motion. While extensive research has focused on the encoding of basic receptive field properties like orientation and direction, less attention has been given to how speed is processed in the early stages of the visual pathway. In this dissertation, I explore the functional architecture of speed tuning in the V1 of carnivores, using the ferret as a model system. My findings reveal the presence of speed-tuned neurons organized into discrete clusters, or "hot spots," challenging the traditional view that motion processing, especially for speed, is confined to higher-order visual areas.
Beyond my primary research, this dissertation includes contributions to several other projects. I discuss the Neuroscience Data Interface (NDI), a platform-independent database designed to facilitate data sharing and integration across labs, showcasing its utility in analyzing electrophysiological data from the gustatory cortex. I also explore the role of the Shank3 gene mutation in juvenile behavior, providing insights into the neurobiological mechanisms linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Additionally, I present a pedagogical framework for teaching DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis to undergraduate students, in an attempt to help bridge the gap between advanced research techniques and concepts, and undergraduate education.
Together, this dissertation offers new insights into the organization and function of the visual system, providing evidence that the primary visual cortex is more involved in motion processing than previously described.