David H. Hubel

Canadian neurophysiologist

David H. Hubel

Birth name	David Hunter Hubel
Birth date	1926-02-27
Birth place	Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Died	September 22, 2013(2013-09-22) (aged 87)
Place of death	Lincoln, Massachusetts, United States
Nationality	Canadian
Known for	Visual cortex research
Awards	Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1981)

David Hunter Hubel (February 27, 1926 – September 22, 2013) was a Canadian neurophysiologist noted for his studies of the structure and function of the visual cortex. He was co-awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 with Torsten Wiesel for their discoveries concerning information processing in the visual system.

Early life and education

David Hubel was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in Montreal. He attended McGill University, where he earned his medical degree in 1951. After completing his medical degree, Hubel moved to the United States to work at the Johns Hopkins University.

Career

In 1959, Hubel joined the faculty of Harvard University, where he began his groundbreaking research on the visual cortex. Along with his colleague Torsten Wiesel, Hubel conducted experiments that revealed how visual information is processed by the brain. Their work demonstrated the existence of specialized cells in the visual cortex that respond to specific features of visual stimuli, such as edges and movement.

Research and discoveries

Hubel and Wiesel's research provided significant insights into the neural mechanisms of vision. They discovered that the visual cortex is organized into columns, with each column processing information from a specific region of the visual field. This columnar organization is crucial for the brain's ability to interpret complex visual scenes.

Their work also showed that the development of the visual system is highly dependent on early visual experience. This finding had profound implications for understanding neuroplasticity and the critical periods of sensory development.

Awards and honors

David Hubel received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981, which he shared with Torsten Wiesel and Roger W. Sperry. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal life

Hubel was married and had three children. He passed away on September 22, 2013, in Lincoln, Massachusetts, United States.

Legacy

David Hubel's work has had a lasting impact on the field of neuroscience, particularly in the study of the visual system. His discoveries have paved the way for further research into how the brain processes sensory information and has influenced the development of treatments for visual disorders.

See also

• Visual cortex
• Neuroplasticity
• Torsten Wiesel
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

External links

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