Exploring visual and auditory motion spatial frequencies computation in area hMT+

The hMT+ region of the brain has been established as being highly responsive to motion perception, particularly also in relation to specific features such as the spatial frequencies of visual stimuli. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that hMT+ is not solely involved in motion processing within the visual modality, but also exhibits activation in response to stimuli presented in the auditory modality. However, it remains unclear whether hMT+ demonstrates selectivity for spatial frequencies in this alternative sensory modality. To address this question, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment at an ultra-high magnetic field strength (7T), involving a cohort of 15 participants. During these sessions, participants were presented with visual and auditory stimuli, each involving translational motion, and were exposed to two distinct spatial frequencies (low and high). We use Multivariate Pattern Analyses (MVPA) allowing us to discern potential differences in hMT+ activation patterns between the two spatial frequency conditions across modalities. By employing these advanced neuroimaging techniques, our study endeavours to shed light on the potential selectivity of hMT+ for spatial frequencies also in a non-visual modality. Preliminary findings from the visual domain indicate that hMT+ indeed exhibits divergent activation patterns in response to the two spatial frequencies. To further investigate this phenomenon, we are currently exploring whether similar patterns can be observed in hMT+ when participants are subjected to auditory stimulation. Additionally, we aim to ascertain whether the spatial frequency pattern information is shared across the sensory modalities tested, utilizing cross-modal MVPA analyses