Smith-Kettlewell Brain Imaging Center

Brain image with activated brain seen through a transparent skull

The Smith-Kettlewell Brain Imaging Center supports a wide variety of human brain imaging modalities, including MRI, MRI morphometry, functional MRI, fMR Iretonogrphy, fMRI dynamics, functional connectivity, Granger-causal connectivity, DTI, DTI tractography, whole-head EEG, EEG functional connectivity, ERG, EEG eye tracking, electroblepharography, etc. Our work centers on human visual neuroscience and computational vision, especially in the areas of human visual processing in adults, of the diagnosis of eye diseases and cortical deficits in infants and adults, on brain plasticity in relation to low vision and blindness, and on the processes of blindness rehabilitation. We are particularly interested in the normal capabilities of binocular visual processing and its disruption by forms of traumatic brain injury.

Tabs

Journal Articles

Tregillus, K. E. M., & Likova, L. T.. (2020). Differences in the major fiber-tracts of people with congenital and acquired blindness. Imaging Science & Technology / Human Vision And Electronic Imaging 2020. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2020.11.HVEI-366

Likova, L. T., Mei, M., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2019). Learning face perception without vision: Rebound learning effect and hemispheric differences in congenital vs late-onset blindness. Imaging Science And Technology: Human Vision And Electronic Imaging. http://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2019.12.HVEI-237 Human Vision and Electronic Imaging 2019

Hou, C., Good, W. V., & Norcia, A. M.. (2018). Detection of amblyopia using sweep VEP Vernier and grating acuity. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 59(1;59(3), 1435–1442.

Tregillus, K. E. M., & Likova, L. T.. (2018). Fiber-tract differences in people with congenital and acquired blindness. Journal Of Vision, (18(10).

Likova, L. T. (2018). Brain reorganization in adulthood underlying a rapid switch in handedness induced by training in memory-guided drawing. Neuroplasticity Ed. Chaban V. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76317

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2018). When light hurts: Comparative morphometry of human brainstem in traumatic photalgia. Nature Scientific Reports, 8(1):6256. http://doi.org/doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24386-z

Karim, R., & Likova, L. T.. (2018). Haptic aesthetics in the blind: Behavioral and fMRI investigation. Imaging Science And Technology: Human Vision And Electronic Imaging, 532: 1-10. http://doi.org/DOI: 10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2018.14.HVEI-532

Cacciamani, L., & Likova, L. T.. (2017). Memory-guided drawing training increases Granger causal influences from the perirhinal cortex to V1 in the blind. Neurobiology Of Learning And Memory, 141. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2017.03.013 PMID: 28347878 PMCID: PMC 5488874

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2017). Studying the Retinal Source of Photophobia by Facial Electroretinography. Optometry And Vision Science, 94(4). http://doi.org/10.1097/OPX.0000000000001064 PMID: 28338564

Karim, R., Proulx, M. J., & Likova, L. T.. (June 24 2016). Anticlockwise or Clockwise? A Dynamic Perception-Action-Laterality Model for Directionality Bias in Visuospatial Functioning. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. http://doi.org/DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.032 PMID: 27350096 PMCID: PMC5003653

Conference Papers

Likova, L. T. Face perception as a multisensory process. In Multisensory and Crossmodal Interactions, at IS&T HVEI. Multisensory and Crossmodal Interactions, at IS&T HVEI: Burlingame, California. Retrieved from https://www.imaging.org/site/IST/Conferences/EI/EI_2020/Conference/C_HVEI.aspx

Presentations/Posters

Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2020). Rapid training of supramodal spatial cognition and memory for improved navigation in low vision and blindness. ARVO Issue abstract 2020. ARVO 2020. Retrieved from https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2766791&resultClick=1

Likova, L. T. (2019). Enhancement of spatial cognition and brain connectivity in people with low vision and blindness. Retrieved from ARVO, Vancouver, Ca

Likova, L. T., Nicholas, S. C., & Tyler, C. W.. (2019). Top-down control of spatial memory visualization in early visual cortex. Retrieved from VSS, Fl

Likova, L. T., Mei, M., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2019). Is the face schema innate? Evidence from learning faces in the congenital blind. Retrieved from SfN

Likova, L. T., Mei, M., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2019). Learning face perception without vision: Rebound learning effect and hemispheric differences in blind and sighted. Retrieved from ECVP, Leuven

Likova, L. T. (2018). Spatiomotor and memory training through drawing in the blind. Retrieved from Southern China Normal University

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2018). Memory Visualization and spatial learning. Retrieved from Nano-symposium at SfN

Likova, L. T. (2018). Rapid switches of handedness in late adulthood: Neuroplasticity driven by drawing training. Retrieved from Human Vision and Electronic Imaging, Burlingame, Ca

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2018). Release of Cone-Rod Suppression as a Key Mechanism for Concussion-Induced Light Sensitivity.

Likova, L. T. (2018). Spatial Awareness Training via Memory-Drawing: Enhancement of Brain Plasticity, Learning and Memory, and Transfer of Training Effects. Retrieved from MacFarland Seminar, AER Conference, Reno, July 25, 2018

Other Publications

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2014). The neurometabolic underpinnings of fMRI BOLD dynamics. In Advanced Brain Neuroimaging Topics in Health and Disease-Methods and Applications:. InTech. http://doi.org/10.5772/58274

Likova, L. T. (2018). Cognitive-Kinesthetic Method: Hands-on demonstration with trainers and educators for the blind. Retrieved from Satellite Symposium, Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Reno. July, 2018.

Likova, L. T. (2018). Memory drawing and learning in the class room. Retrieved from Southern China Normal University, Guangzhou

Likova, L. T. (2016). Keynote address at the Ciancia Festschrift meeting in Buenos Aires . Retrieved from The XI Reunión de los Discípulos del Dr. Ciancia, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Likova, L. T. (2016). Rehabilitation training and brain plasticity in blindness: non-visual drawing, spatial cognition enhancement and transfer of training effects. Retrieved from Envision Research Institute, Wichita, Kansas, USA, July 2016.

Likova, L. T. (2016). Art training and the brain: brain plasticity and blindness rehabilitation. Retrieved from SfN. San Diego Ca, USA, 2016, A Professional Development Workshop

Likova, L. T. (2016). Key results from the reported research and their impact for the blind and low vision community. Retrieved from National State of the Science of Blindness Rehabilitation, Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, 2016

Likova, L. T. (2015). Harnessing the power of drawing to drive brain plasticity. Live Webinar, Washington, DC. Retrieved from NEA, NSF & Inter agency Task Force on the Arts and Human Development

Likova, L. T. (1986). Magnetic Head, N 237417, G 11 B 5/10, Prague, Czech Republic.

Likova, L. T. (1985). Magnetic Head, N 30903, G 11 B 5/10, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Likova, L. T. (1985). Magnetic Head, N 1164781, G 11 B 5/10, Moscow, Russia.

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Good Lab

Our laboratory studies the conditions which cause monocular or bilateral blindness in infants and children.
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Heinen Lab

Our laboratory studies eye movements to understand basic neural circuitry that moves the eyes for clear vision, and as a tool to probe mental processes that are distinctly human. Our ultimate goal is to understand the substrate of neurological function and dysfunction, leading to development of non-invasive diagnosis and therapy for brain trauma and psychiatric disorders.
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Hou Lab

Our research interests include investigating human visual cortex development and brain plasticity associated with amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (misaligned eyes).
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Likova Lab

The main areas of my research are learning and brain plasticity of multimodal sensorimotor processing in the blind and the sighted.
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Tyler Lab

Our work centers on human visual neuroscience and computational vision, especially in the areas of stereoscopic depth, form, symmetry, and motion perception in adults, and the development of tests
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Oculomotor Control

The binocular coordination of movements of the eyes is a complex issue controlled by many brainstem nuclei, and is subject to a wide variety of forms of disruption by traumatic brain injury and ocu

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Active

Spectral ERG analysis of hypersensitivity to light in traumatic brain injury

The purpose of this research study is to use the spectral electroretinogram (ERG) to deteremine ho

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Causal Brain Connectivity between Hippocampus and Early Visual Subareas in Memory-Visualization

Active

SL-CN: Harnessing the Power of Drawing for the Enhancement of Learning across Levels of Vision Function

This Science of Learning Collaborative Network brings together researchers and experts from th

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The first tensor-based morphometry of the human brainstem, which compares changes in two groups of patients with mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) - non-photophobic (non-Ph, left panel) patients with severely photophobic (severe-Ph, right panel).

Active

Mechanisms of Photophobia in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Human Subjects: Therapeutic Implications

The purpose of this grant is to identify the mechanisms responsible for generating photophobia in patients who have suffered mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Currently, estimates indicate that this painful condition persists in about 60% of those who suffered from blast-related traumatic brain injury and 30% of those who suffered non-blast-related concussive injuries.

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Completed