Likova Lab: Brain Plasticity, Learning & Neurorehabilitation

Lora Likova

Likova Lab Director

Degrees: Ph.D.

My goal is to integrate multiple brain imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI) coupled with a unique motion-capture system, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), tensor-based brain morphometry (TBM), and electroencephalography (EEG) to study neuroplasticity, brain mechanisms of art and learning, rehabilitation of blindness, memory and spatial cognition, vision deficits in TBI, and multimodal sensorimotor processing across levels of visual impairment.

See Publications

Current/Previous Fellows

Tabs

Journal Articles

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

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2018). Comparative tensor-based morphometry of human brainstem in traumatic photophobia. Nature: Scientific Reports, (6256). Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-24386-z (Original work published 2018)

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

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

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

Likova, L. T., & Cacciamani, L.. (2018). Transfer of Learning in People Who Are Blind: Enhancement of Spatial-Cognitive Abilities through Drawing. Journal Of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 4(112). Retrieved from https://www.afb.org/jvib/Newjvibabstract.asp?articleid=jvib120406

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

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 (Original work published 2017)

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 (Original work published 2017)

Likova, L. T. (2017). Addressing long-standing controversies in conceptual knowledge representation in the temporal pole: A cross-modal paradigm. Electronic Imaging: Human Vision And Electronic Imaging, Pp. 268-272(5). http://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2017.14.HVEI-155

Karim, A. K. M. Rezaul, 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 (Original work published June 24 2016)

Likova, L. T., Tyler, C. W., Cacciamani, L., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2016). The Cortical Network for Braille Writing in the Blind. Electronic Imaging, 2016, 1–6. http://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2470-1173.2016.16.HVEI-095 PMID: 28890944 PMCID: PMC5589194 (Original work published 2016)

Likova, L. T., Tyler, C. W., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (Aug 31 2016). Fundamental anti-symmetries in the brain organization of conceptual knowledge representation help resolve long-standing controversies. Journal Of Vision., (16(12). (Original work published Aug 31 2016)

Tyler, C. W., Howarth, C., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). Editorial:“Neural signal estimation in the human brain”. Frontiers In Neuroscience, 10, 185. http://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00185 PMID: 27199647 PMCID: PMC4850329 (Original work published 2016)

Cacciamani, L., & Likova, L. T.. (Apr 12 2016). Tactile object familiarity in the blind brain reveals the supramodal perceptual-mnemonic nature of the perirhinal cortex. Frontiers In Human Neuroscience, 10, 92. http://doi.org/ 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00092 PMID: 27148002 PMCID: PMC4828456 (Original work published Apr 12 2016)

Tyler, C. W., Howard, C., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). Neural Signal Estimation in the Human Brain. Frontiers In Neuroscience, (979). http://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00185 (Original work published 2016)

Cacciamani, L., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). The role of the perirhinal cortex in tactile perception and memory in the blind. Journal Of Vision, 16(12).

Likova, L. T. (Apr 10 2015). Temporal evolution of brain reorganization under cross-modal training: insights into the functional architecture of encoding and retrieval networks. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging. Retrieved from http://doi.org/ 10.1117/12.2178069 (Original work published Apr 10 2015)

Tyler, C. W., Likova, L. T., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2015). Analysis of Neural-BOLD Coupling Through Four Models of the Neural Metabolic Demand. Frontiers In Neuroscience, 9. http://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2015.00419

Tyler, C. W., Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. N., Elsaid, A. M., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2015). Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury for Human Vergence Dynamics. Frontiers In Neurology, 5. http://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2014.00282

Tyler, C. W., Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2015). Deficits in the activation of human oculomotor nuclei in chronic traumatic brain injury. Frontiers In Neurology, 6(173), 9. http://doi.org/doi: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00173

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Likova, L. T., Tyler, C. W., Cacciamani, L., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2015). Effect of familiarity on Braille writing and reading in the blind: From graphemes to comprehension. Journal Of Vision, 15, 920–920. http://doi.org/10.1167/15.12.920

Likova, L. T. (2014). Learning-Based Cross-Modal Plasticity in the Human Brain: Insights from Visual Deprivation fMRI. Advanced Brain Neuroimaging Topics In Health And Disease-Methods And Applications, 327–358. http://doi.org/10.5772/58263

Likova, L. T. (Jan 2013). A cross-modal perspective on the relationships between imagery and working memory. Frontier In Psyhology , 3. http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00561 (Original work published 2013)

Tyler, C. W., Likova, L. T., Atanassov, K., Ramachandra, V., & Goma, S.. (2012). 3D discomfort from vertical and torsional disparities in natural images. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1117/12.915466

Tyler, C. W., Elsaid, A. M., Likova, L. T., Gill, N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2012). Analysis of human vergence dynamics. Journal Of Vision, 12(11)(21), 1-19. http://doi.org/10.1167/12.11.21

Likova, L. T. (2012). Drawing enhances cross-modal memory plasticity in the human brain: a case study in a totally blind adult. Front. Hum. Neurosci, 6, 3389. http://doi.org/ 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00044

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2012). The role of the visual arts in enhancing the learning process. Frontiers In Human Neuroscience, 6. http://doi.org/ 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00008

Likova, L. T. (2012). The spatiotopic'visual'cortex of the blind. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1117/12.912257

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2011). Estimating neural signal dynamics in the human brain. Frontiers In Systems Neuroscience, 5. http://doi.org/ 10.3389/fnsys.2011.00033

Likova, L. T. (2010). The primary visual cortex as a modality-independent ‘screen’ for working memory. Journal Of Vision, 10(7). http://doi.org/10.1167/10.7.776 (Original work published 2010)

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2010). An Algebra for the Analysis of Object Encoding. Neuroimage, 50, 1243–1250. http://doi.org/doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.10.091

Likova, L. T. (2010). Drawing in the blind and the sighted as a probe of cortical reorganization. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging Xv. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1117/12.849116

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2008). Occipital network for figure/ground organization. Experimental Brain Research, 189, 257–267. http://doi.org/ 10.1007/s00221-008-1417-6

Tyler, C. W., & Likova, L. T.. (2007). Crowding: A neuro-analytic approach. Journal Of Vision, Http:// Journalofvision.org/7/2/16/ , 7(2)(16). http://doi.org/10.1167/7.2.16

Likova, L. T. (2007). Instantaneous stimulus paradigm: cortical network and dynamics of figure-ground organization. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging Xii, 64921E. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1117/12.707556

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2007). Stereomotion processing in the human occipital cortex. Neuroimage, 38, 293–305. http://doi.org/org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2007.06.039

Tyler, C. W., Likova, L. T., Kontsevich, L. L., & Wade, A. R.. (2006). The specificity of cortical region KO to depth structure. Neuroimage, 30, 228–238. http://doi.org/doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.09.067

Tyler, C. W., Likova, L. T., Chen, C. C., Kontsevich, L. L., Schira, M. M., & Wade, A. R.. (2005). Extended concepts of occipital retinotopy. Current Medical Imaging Reviews, 1, 319–329. http://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157340505774574772

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2005). Transient-based image segmentation: top-down surround suppression in human V1. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1117/12.610865

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2004). Is the hMT+/V5 complex in the human brain involved in stereomotion perception? An fMRI study. Electronic Imaging 2004. http://doi.org/10.1117/12.568026 (Original work published 2004)

Tyler, C. W., Baseler, H. A., Kontsevich, L. L., Likova, L. T., Wade, A. R., & Wandell, B. A.. (2004). Predominantly extra-retinotopic cortical response to pattern symmetry. Neuroimage, 24, 306–314. http://doi.org/doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2004.09.018

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2003). Failure of stereomotion capture in an object disappearance paradigm. Is&t/spie Electronic Imaging. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1117/12.485517

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2003). Peak localization of sparsely sampled luminance patterns is based on interpolated 3D surface representation. Vision Research, 43, 2649–2657. http://doi.org/org/10.1016/S0042-6989(02)00575-8

Likova, L. T., & Tyler, C. W.. (2003). Spatiotemporal relationships in a dynamic scene: stereomotion induction and suppression. Journal Of Vision, 3. http://doi.org/10.1167/3.4.5

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Popivanov, D., Likova, L. T., & Sauleva, Z.. (2000). EEG frequency dynamics during movements imagery. Acta Physiologica Et Pharmacologica Bulgarica, 26, 115–118.

Mateeff, S., Dimitrov, G., Genova, B., Likova, L. T., Stefanova, M., & Hohnsbein, J.. (2000). The discrimination of abrupt changes in speed and direction of visual motion. Vision Research, 40, 409–415. http://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0042-6989(99)00185-6

Presentations/Posters

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., Mei, M., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S.. (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., Nicholas, S., & Tyler, C. W.. (2019). Top-down control of spatial memory visualization in early visual cortex. Retrieved from VSS, Fl

Likova, L. T. (2019). Your brain on memory drawing. Retrieved from VSAC, Leuven (to be presented)

Likova, L. T. (2018). Brain plasticity and art. Retrieved from Guangzhou Technology Institute

Tregillus, K. E. M., & Likova, L. T.. (2018). Fiber-tract differences in people with congenital and acquired blindness. http://doi.org/10.1167/18.10.543

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

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

Likova, L. T. (2017). Art training matters: Enhancement of spatial cognition and brain connectivity. Retrieved from Human Vision and Electronic Imaging Feb 2017

Likova, L. T. (2017). Granger Causality analysis reveals the role of the hippocampal complex in the memory functions of primary visual cortex. Retrieved from European Conference on Visual Perception

Karim, R., & Likova, L. T.. (2017). Object understanding and cortical functional reorganization in the blind. Retrieved from National Conference on Neuroscience Research in Bangladesh

Likova, L. T., Cacciamani, L., Nicholas, S. C., & Mineff, K. N.. (2017). Top-down working memory reorganization of the primary visual cortex: Granger Causality analysis. http://doi.org/10.1167/17.10.594

Karim, R., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). Aesthetic appreciation and perception of 3D shapes through the sense of touch in the blind and the sighted: on the properties of contour curvature and symmetry of 3D tactile shapes.

Likova, L. T. (2016). Art, brain plasticity and rehabilitation training in blindness. Retrieved from Professional Development Workshops (PDW13 Invited Speaker), SfN, San Diego, Ca

Likova, L. T., Mineff, K. N., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2016). Brain reorganization and performance correlates of a rapid switch in handedness induced by drawing training in a left-handed blind individual. Retrieved from SfN, San Diego, Ca, USA

Tyler, C. W., Nicholas, S. C., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). Color components under joint recording from the human retina and cortex with a high-density electrode net.

Likova, L. T., Tyler, C. W., Mineff, K. N., Cacciamani, L., & Nicholas, S. C.. (2016). Dissociable brain networks revealed to single-repetition learning in Braille reading and Braille writing-fromm. Retrieved from ECVP 2016 Perception 45, 164-165

Likova, L. T., Tyler, C. W., Mineff, K. N., Cacciamani, L., & Nicholas, S.. (2016). High-order multisensory mechanisms: Insights from Braille writing and reading. Retrieved from IS&T Int Symp Electron Imaging

Cacciamani, L., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). Memory-guided drawing training increases Granger causal influences from the perirhinal cortex to V1 in the blind. Retrieved from SfN. San Diego Ca, USA

Karim, R., & Likova, L. T.. (2016). Perception and aesthetic appreciation of textures through the sense of touch: do the blind differ from the sighted?. Retrieved from Annual Envision Conference on Low Vision Rehabilitation & Research. Denver, Co.

Likova, L. T. (2015). Can brain changes from art training reveal commonalities between the mechanisms of drawing and of music? . Retrieved from Human Vision and Electronic Imaging, San Francisco Ca, USA.

Likova, L. T. (2015). Cross-modal insights into the controversies of conceptual knowledge representation and temporal pole asymmetry. Retrieved from Perception (Supp). 44, 310.

Likova, L. T. (2015). Harnessing the power of drawing to drive brain plasticity. Retrieved from Live Webinar on my work on blindness rehabilitation through the Cognitive-Kinesthetic Drawing training, National Endowment for the Arts, National Science Foundation & Inter agency Task Force on the Arts and Human Development. Washington, DC.

Likova, L. T. (2015). How is conceptual knowledge represented in the temporal pole? A cross-modal perspective and familiarity effects. Retrieved from SfN. Chicago, USA.

Karim, R., & Likova, L. T.. (2015). Tactile aesthetics in the blind and the sighted. Retrieved from Annual Envision Conference on Low Vision Rehabilitation & Research. Denver, Co.

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

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Likova, L. T., Cacciamani, L., Nicholas, S. C., & Mineff, K. N.. (2017). Top-down working memory reorganization of the primary visual cortex: Granger Causality analysis. Retrieved from Jurnal of Vision