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Neural mechanisms of face recognition

Reference	BBS/E/B/0000C065
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Keith Kendrick
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	363,403
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2003
End date	31/12/2008
Duration	69 months

Abstract

In both human and non-human animal species social recognition of individuals is an essential aspect of social behaviour and interactions. In humans the main cues used to effect such individual recognition are visual ones from the face. Indeed face-recognition is so important that specialised networks have evolved in the human brain for effecting accurate recognition of, and discrimination between, faces. Other non-human primates have also been shown to possess this specialised system. The processing of visual cues from faces in the human brain primarily engages components of the right temporal lobe in the right hemisphere. We are currently investigating what it's functional purpose is. Little is known about the purpose of functional asymmetries in brain processing and yet two essential human functions (language and face processing) use it. We hope therefore to be able to use our animal model of face recognition to determine the precise nature of asymmetric processing and how it conveys a functional advantage. In particular the advantages that this system may have for recognition learning in this context will also be investigated.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	Neuroscience and Behaviour
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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