Tania Rodrigues

Foveal vision in fast-flying birds hunting on the wing

This paper examines the structural adaptations in the visual systems of swifts and swallows that enable high-speed aerial prey capture, revealing specialized foveal structures similar to primates.

Increased neuron density in the midbrain of foveate birds results from profound change in tissue morphogenesis

The paper shows that foveate birds have higher neuron density in the optic tectum due to developmental changes in cell proliferation and migration.

A transient decrease in mitochondrial activity is required to establish the ganglion cell fate in retina adapted for high acuity vision

The paper shows that a transient decrease in mitochondrial activity is necessary for retinal ganglion cell differentiation in high acuity vision.