Behavioral and neuroimaging investigation of objects in the real world

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While it is important for humans to be able to recognize objects, it is also essential to be able to interact appropriately with them. For example, while making dinner, we may not just look for a particular object or tool (such as a spatula), but also grasp and move it (such as putting the spatula in the sink) or use it appropriately (such as using a spatula to flip a hamburger). These functions, though seemingly effortless, require the coordination of many brain areas. The goal of my research is to understand how the human brain processes objects, particularly those associated with actions. Although we are able to easily recognize tools when they are depicted as images (such as a picture in a magazine), we would never try to grasp or use a picture of a tool. Yet surprisingly, much of the past research done in object vision has used photographs rather than real objects. Only rarely (such as charades) might we pantomime the use of an object (such as pretending to flip a hamburger without having a spatula in your hand). Yet again, much of the past research on tools has focused on pantomimed actions even though research suggests that pantomiming an action and actually performing it rely on different brain mechanisms. My lab has developed techniques for studying real actions upon real objects. This approach even works with brain imaging, where it is more challenging to work with real objects than pictures. Our research will examine similarities and differences in behavior and brain activation for real objects compared to pictures of objects. This research will enable us to better understand the brain mechanisms that enable us to efficiently recognize and act upon objects. It will be useful for interpreting brain disorders in patients who have problems recognizing objects or performing actions. It may even contribute to the development of neural prosthetics, enabling patients with motor disorders to use brain signals to guide movements of an artificial robotic arm. While striking progress has been made in developing this technology for reaching and grasping, ultimately users have to be able to interact with real objects and use real tools.