Institut de la Vision

Neurons and axons in the brain of a Brainbow mouse. The multi-coloured marking of these mice is used for the three-dimensional tracing of sensory connectivity.

Visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants, fitted to a subject during an assessment phase. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by infrared, to microscopic electrodes placed on…

Validation of retinal stimulation during psychophysical session, by a subject wearing visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor, shown here, is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending…

Dynamic recognition and grasping task during retinal stimulation, by a subject wearing visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by…

Dynamic recognition and grasping task during retinal stimulation, by a subject wearing visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by…

Verification and refining of retinal stimulation during dynamic trials, with a subject wearing visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it,…

Adjustment of visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants during an assessment phase. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by infrared, to microscopic electrodes placed on the…

Adjustment of visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants during an assessment phase. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by infrared, to microscopic electrodes placed on the…

Dynamic recognition and grasping task during retinal stimulation, by a subject wearing visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by…

R. Benosman and members of his team during an assessment phase of visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by infrared, to microscopic…

Visual stimulation spectacles for PRIMA retinal implants. Visual stimulation is performed by a system of acquisition and asynchronous projection. The sensor, shown here, is integrated into spectacles to collect light and to convert visual data into an electrical signal. The acquired signal is sent to a miniature computer, placed in the patient’s pocket. The computer processes the data received before sending it, by infrared, to microscopic electrodes placed on the retina. Finally, these…

Ryad Benosman (2nd from the left) with his colleagues. He is an associate professor at the Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris, where he heads the vision and natural computation department. He has recently become interested in the analysis of the computation performed by the visual system and sought to understand the link between computational vision and biological vision. He specialises in neuromorphic processing and vision, based on event capture.

Ryad Benosman (left) with his colleagues. He is an associate professor at the Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris, where he heads the vision and natural computation department. He has recently become interested in the analysis of the computation performed by the visual system and sought to understand the link between computational vision and biological vision. He specialises in neuromorphic processing and vision, based on event capture.

Discussion between Céline Nouvel-Jaillard, Serge Picaud (centre) and Ryad Benosman (right).

Discussion between Céline Nouvel-Jaillard, Serge Picaud (centre) and Ryad Benosman (right).

Electropermeabilisation of chicken embryo. Jean Livet’s team is working to understand how the cells comprising the neural circuits of the retina and the brain are born, are differentiated and interconnect during development. To this end, they are using new methodologies making it possible to trace the developmental history and connectivity of neural cells in nerve tissue.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Observation under the microscope of the electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Observation under the microscope of the electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Observation under the microscope of the electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used to mark the retina’s progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Electropermeabilisation of a chicken embryo. This approach is used by Jean Livet’s team to mark the retina's progenitor cells and to monitor the genesis of their daughter cells during development.

Observation of a chicken embryo using a fluorescence stereomicroscope. This model is used by research scientists to study the development of the retina.

Observation of a chicken embryo using a fluorescence stereomicroscope. This model is used by research scientists to study the development of the retina.

Jean Livet showing his colleague an image of neurons and axons in the brain of a Brainbow mouse. The multi-coloured marking of these mice is used for the three-dimensional tracing of sensory connectivity.

Mouse embryo placed in a carrier to then observe it under a selective plane illumination microscope. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways). The goal is to see how the axons are positioned in this embryo.

Vessel in which the sample, a mouse embryo, will be placed to observe it under a selective plane illumination microscope. In green, the light-sheet generated by a laser. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways). The goal is to understand the mechanisms that control the development and repair of the brain.

Vessel in which the sample, a mouse embryo, will be placed to observe it under a selective plane illumination microscope. In green, the light-sheet generated by a laser. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways). The goal is to understand the mechanisms that control the development and repair of the brain.

Mouse embryo placed in a carrier to then observe it under a selective plane illumination microscope. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways). The goal is to see how the axons are positioned in this embryo.

Viewing of a mouse embryo brain by light-sheet imaging. The axons are in green. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways). The objective is to understand how the cerebral connections are organised and how they develop.

Mouse brains preserved in tubes. In the left-hand tube, a brain that has just been collected and is therefore opaque. In the right-hand tube, a brain rendered transparent by means of solvents (Clarity method) to enable imaging. Once transparent, this brain can be affixed to a carrier to then observe it under a selective plane illumination microscope. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways).

Mouse brains preserved in tubes; on the left a brain that has just been collected and has just been collected and is therefore opaque, and in the right-hand tube, a brain rendered transparent by means of solvents (Clarity method) to enable imaging. Once transparent, this brain can be affixed to a carrier to then observe it under a selective plane illumination microscope. This technique enables rapid 3D imaging of specimens (here the organisation of the brain and the visual pathways).

Viewing growing mouse retina neuron axons, and more particularly their end known as the growth cone, with the video microscope. The goal is to see how they respond to molecules that guide their growth and to understand the development of cerebral connections.

Viewing growing mouse retina neuron axons, and more particularly their end known as the growth cone, with the video microscope. The goal is to see how they respond to molecules that guide their growth and to understand the development of cerebral connections.

3D modelling of visual pathways in mice, obtained with a selective plane illumination microscope. In green and magenta, the left and right optical nerves and the visual pathways in the brain. The two nerves cross at the optic chiasm.

Cutting up a mouse brain in the cryostat. The cross-sections are then placed on a glass slide and stained to view neurons and axons.

Cutting up a mouse brain in the cryostat. The cross-sections are then placed on a glass slide and stained to view neurons and axons.

Cutting up a mouse brain in the cryostat. The cross-sections are then placed on a glass slide and stained to view neurons and axons.

Adjustment of the level of bacterial cultures to balance them. They will then be centrifuged to pellet the bacteria, in order to extract the plasmid DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Bacterial cultures placed in a centrifuge to pellet the bacteria, in order to extract the plasmid DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Resuspension of a bacterial pellet, in order to extract the plasmid DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Resuspension of a bacterial pellet, in order to extract the plasmid DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Resuspension of a bacterial pellet, in order to extract the plasmid DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Filtration of bacteria lysate: a bacterial pellet is filtered after having been resuspended and the bacteria lysed to recover the DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Filtration of bacteria lysate: a bacterial pellet is filtered after having been resuspended and the bacteria lysed to recover the DNA that they contain. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Bacterial DNA filtrate placed on a filtration column, to clean and purify it. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Primers enabling amplification of specific DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Pipetting of a mix containing DNA polymerase enzyme and primers, in order to perform amplification of bacterial DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Pipetting of a mix containing DNA polymerase enzyme and primers, in order to perform amplification of bacterial DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Deniz Dalkara with her colleague Julien Murat pipetting a mix containing DNA polymerase enzyme and primers, in order to perform amplification of bacterial DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Sample of bacterial DNA with a gene of interest, placed in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification machine. PCR amplification of this sample makes it possible to obtain a large number of copies. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Sample of bacterial DNA with a gene of interest, placed in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification machine. PCR amplification of this sample makes it possible to obtain a large number of copies. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Storage at -80°C of bacteria and reagents for production of plasmids, for optimal and long-term preservation. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Preparation of bacteria containing a specific plasmid, stored at -80°C for later re-use. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Preparation of bacteria containing a specific plasmid, stored at -80°C for later re-use. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Pipetting plasmid DNA to insert it into bacteria for multiplication. The goal is to produce plasmids for inclusion in viruses, as part of a gene therapy process.

Plating of HEK (human embryonic kidney) cells for future transfection of adeno-associated virus (AAV), in the Vision Institute L3 laboratory. A biosafety level 3 laboratory consists of zones with controlled atmosphere, in which infectious biological samples are handled.

Plating of HEK (human embryonic kidney) cells for future transfection of adeno-associated virus (AAV), in the Vision Institute L3 laboratory. A biosafety level 3 laboratory consists of zones with controlled atmosphere, in which infectious biological samples are handled.

Plating of HEK (human embryonic kidney) cells for future transfection of adeno-associated virus (AAV), in the Vision Institute L3 laboratory. A biosafety level 3 laboratory consists of zones with controlled atmosphere, in which infectious biological samples are handled.

Plating of HEK (human embryonic kidney) cells for future transfection of adeno-associated virus (AAV), in the Vision Institute L3 laboratory. A biosafety level 3 laboratory consists of zones with controlled atmosphere, in which infectious biological samples are handled.

Observation of cross-sections of mouse retinas under the confocal microscope to study the therapeutic effects afforded by gene therapy.

Observation under the confocal microscope of mouse retinas expressing optogenetic proteins.

Observation under the confocal microscope of mouse retinas expressing optogenetic proteins.

Observation under the confocal microscope of a mouse retina mounted between a slide and a coverslip. This microscope enables observation and production of very shallow images in tissues or cell layers. The goal is to see whether the virus injected into the retina has properly transduced the target cells (fluorescence).

Serge Picaud in discussion with Deniz Dalkara in the confocal microscopy room.

Entrance to the Vision Institute. The Vision Institute is an international research centre wholly devoted to research into diseases of the eye.

Entrance to the Vision Institute. The Vision Institute is an international research centre wholly devoted to research into diseases of the eye.

Subject performing a grasping test in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. Wearing clothing fitted with reflective markers, all his movements are measured by the motion capture technique. This apartment enables testing under real-life conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Subject performing a grasping test in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. Wearing clothing fitted with reflective markers, all his movements are measured by the motion capture technique. This apartment enables testing under real-life conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Subject performing a grasping test in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. Wearing clothing fitted with reflective markers, all his movements are measured by the motion capture technique. This apartment enables testing under real-life conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Subject performing a grasping test in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. Wearing an instrumented glove, the participant performs a grasping task. This apartment enables testing under real-life conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Subject performing a grasping test in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. Wearing an instrumented glove, the participant performs a grasping task. This apartment enables testing under real-life conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Subject performing a grasping test in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. Wearing an instrumented glove, the participant performs a grasping task. This apartment enables testing under real-life conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Experiment with a virtual reality headset in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. This apartment enables testing under real-life or virtual reality conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Experiment with a virtual reality headset in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. This apartment enables testing under real-life or virtual reality conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Experiment with a virtual reality headset in Homelab, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. This apartment enables testing under real-life or virtual reality conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Headset and peripherals for interaction with the virtual world in the Homelab platform, a model apartment devoted to the visually impaired. This apartment enables testing under real-life or virtual reality conditions of the solutions proposed by industry (furniture, domestic appliances, man-machine interfaces such as retinal implants, etc.) and measurement of the user and/or therapeutic benefit for the visually impaired.

Johan Le Brun fits a participant with reflective markers for motion capture on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient’s movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of his gaze is also obtained at each stage by means of an eye tracker,…

Fitting reflective markers for motion capture on the participant’s anatomical landmarks, on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of his gaze is also obtained at each stage by means of an…

Participant fitted with reflective markers for motion capture on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is in the starting position behind a screen concealing the obstacle avoidance course. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The…

Participant fitted with reflective markers for motion capture on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is in the starting position behind a screen concealing the obstacle avoidance course. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The…

Obstacle avoidance task being performed by a participant on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of…

Obstacle avoidance task being performed by a participant on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of…

Obstacle avoidance task being performed by a participant on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of…

Participant performing a reading task on a postbox on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of his…

Participant performing a reading task on a postbox on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of his…

Fitting of an eye tracker on a participant on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of his gaze is…

Fitting of an eye tracker on a participant on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour (gait cycle, speed, coordination, etc.). The direction of his gaze is…

Obstacle avoidance task under scotopic lighting conditions (night vision) with a dazzling source by a participant on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. He is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis of his motor behaviour …

Experimenter using a tablet to control the intensity and temperature of the lighting system on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. It consists of 9 LED panels enabling attainment of uniform illumination. A participant is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of…

Experimenter using a tablet to control the intensity and temperature of the lighting system on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. It consists of 9 LED panels enabling attainment of uniform illumination. A participant is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using a network of infrared cameras. This enables precise measurement of…

Camera in the network of 14 infrared cameras in the VICON motion capture system, enabling analysis of the participant’s motor control on the Streetlab artificial street, a platform for improving the mobility of visually impaired people. The participant is fitted with reflective markers placed on anatomical landmarks for motion capture. The position of the markers is determined by triangulation using the network of cameras. This enables precise measurement of the patient's movements and analysis…

Streetlab platform, enabling reproduction of a real street environment. The platform enables control of visual, sound and light environments. This space enables the creation of safe and reproducible experimental conditions for the participants. Additional scenery enables modification of the participant’s visual environment. Loudspeakers positioned in the scenery enable broadcasting of street soundscapes with programmable soundtracks. A ceiling consisting of 9 LED panels enables production of…

Streetlab platform control room, enabling reproduction of a real street environment. The platform enables control of visual, sound and light environments. This space enables the creation of safe and reproducible experimental conditions for the participants. Additional scenery enables modification of the participant's visual environment. Loudspeakers positioned in the scenery enable broadcasting of street soundscapes with programmable soundtracks. A ceiling consisting of 9 LED panels enables…

Streetlab platform control room, enabling reproduction of a real street environment. The platform enables control of visual, sound and light environments. This space enables the creation of safe and reproducible experimental conditions for the participants. Additional scenery enables modification of the participant's visual environment. Loudspeakers positioned in the scenery enable broadcasting of street soundscapes with programmable soundtracks. A ceiling consisting of 9 LED panels enables…