HS has pioneered the implementation of voltage-sensitive dye imaging in behaving monkeys and is currently one out of 3 other such labs in the world. The research in HS lab. focuses on three interconnected topics in the field of visual neuroscience: (a) understanding the neuronal mechanisms mediating vision and visual perception as well as higher brain functions: visual attention, perceptual learning and consciousness; (b) image readout and image reconstruction (e.g. "mind reading") of artificial and natural stimuli from brain activity; (c) inducing artificial vision using microstimulation in visual areas that may be used in future brain-machine interfaces. As a whole, research on these topics can provide novel insights into brain functions, facilitate the development of a useful cortical visual neuroprosthesis, and improve treatment of visually impaired subjects. The lab. is using recently breakthrough technologies: optical imaging of voltage-sensitive dye signals and Optical imaging of intrinsic signals in behaving monkeys. These techniques are combined by electrophysiological recordings and microstimulation.