Broadband visual stimuli improve neuronal representation and sensory perception

Elisabeta Balla, Gerion Nabbefeld, Christopher Wiesbrock, Jenice Linde, Severin Graff, Simon Musall () and Björn M. Kampa ()
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Elisabeta Balla: RWTH Aachen University
Gerion Nabbefeld: RWTH Aachen University
Christopher Wiesbrock: RWTH Aachen University
Jenice Linde: RWTH Aachen University
Severin Graff: RWTH Aachen University
Simon Musall: RWTH Aachen University
Björn M. Kampa: RWTH Aachen University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-23

Abstract: Abstract Natural scenes consist of complex feature distributions that shape neural responses and perception. However, in contrast to single features like stimulus orientations, the impact of broadband feature distributions remains unclear. We, therefore, presented visual stimuli with parametrically-controlled bandwidths of orientations and spatial frequencies to awake mice while recording neural activity in their primary visual cortex (V1). Increasing orientation but not spatial frequency bandwidth strongly increased the number and response amplitude of V1 neurons. This effect was not explained by single-cell orientation tuning but rather a broadband-specific relief from center-surround suppression. Moreover, neurons in deeper V1 and the superior colliculus responded much stronger to broadband stimuli, especially when mixing orientations and spatial frequencies. Lastly, broadband stimuli increased the separability of neural responses and improved the performance of mice in a visual discrimination task. Our results show that surround modulation increases neural responses to complex natural feature distributions to enhance sensory perception.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58003-1

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