Cortical roots of a noninvasive brain signal for speech processing
Official title: Cortical contributions to frequency-following response generation and modulation
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11581720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Northwestern University aims to understand how the cortex shapes a noninvasive brain signal (FFR) used to assess speech processing in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2014 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $218,838 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DC013315-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11581720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or without hearing or speech processing difficulties who could undergo electrophysiological testing in a clinical setting.
✕Less likely to help
People unable to complete noninvasive electrophysiological testing or who do not experience speech-processing concerns may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how the cortex contributes to the frequency-following response, a noninvasive brain measure obtained during routine audiology visits. Researchers will explore the mechanisms behind cortical and subcortical interactions that shape the FFR and how experience and expectations may influence it. The work builds on prior findings that the FFR reflects both cortical and subcortical activity and seeks to clarify its neurobiological basis with a translational angle for clinical use. Outcomes could improve the interpretation of FFRs as biomarkers in disorders affecting speech processing. Participation involves human testing in a clinic-like setting, with routine audiology procedures used as part of the protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve how clinicians interpret FFRs as biomarkers for speech processing in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports the potential of FFRs as biomarkers, with ongoing questions about cortical contributions.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandrasekaran, Bharath — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Chandrasekaran, Bharath
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how language and social communication work in FMR1-related autism risks
A small, patient-friendly study looks at why people with FMR1 gene changes may have pragmatic language difficulties, which are common in autism and related conditions.
-
Transformative patient navigation interventions for cancer care in diverse communities
A nationwide cancer center is testing new, community-driven ways to help people with cancer navigate care and information, especially where access is challenging.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Point-of-care AQP4 antibody test to diagnose NMO in low-resource settings
A low-cost, mail-in dried-blood-spot test is being studied to diagnose neuromyelitis optica in people who live far from big labs or in low-income countries.
-
Supercomputer models to understand how human motor signals reach muscles
A computer-based effort uses human motoneuron models to figure out the exact mix of inputs that control muscle activity.
-
Negotiation training to help Alzheimer’s caregivers communicate with care teams
A program called NegotiAge helps families caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease learn better negotiation skills to talk with doctors, insurers, and other caregivers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.