Genetic clues for rhythm and language problems across life
Official title: Evaluating genetic risk for rhythm impairment as a novel predictor of language across the lifespan
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11602393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Vanderbilt will look at how genetic risk for rhythm difficulties might predict language development from childhood through adulthood, with the aim of helping identify kids who may need language support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $232,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DC023288-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11602393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with or without known language disorders who are accessible for genetic study and follow-up across ages.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to follow-up or lacking opportunities for language therapy may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses genetic data and rhythm-related traits to predict language development across the lifespan, focusing on children with speech and language disorders and their long-term outcomes. Researchers will combine findings from genomics, music science, and communication disorders to build generalizable markers that flag risk for language delays. The study includes retrospective and longitudinal analyses to understand how rhythm genetics relate to language history and future language trajectories. The goal is to create practical tools that aid early identification and timely access to language therapy for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve early identification of children who need language support and guide personalized intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests rhythm-related factors are linked to language development, supporting potential benefit for this predictive approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Reyna Leigh — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Reyna Leigh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving healthcare for patients with inherited cancer syndromes using a web-based platform
This study is testing a new online tool called MeTree that helps people understand their risk for inherited cancer by combining their medical records and family health history, making it easier for patients and doctors to get the information they need for better care and support.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Enhanced surveillance for new vaccine‑preventable diseases
A Vanderbilt team is tracking how well vaccines work and how diseases like flu, RSV, norovirus, and SARS‑CoV‑2 affect young children over time.
-
Generative AI to create private, fair health data for research
A researcher at Vanderbilt aims to use Generative AI to create synthetic health data that protects patient privacy while helping AI models be fairer and more accurate.
-
ConProject-003: A patient-facing initiative at Vanderbilt for advancing care
A Vanderbilt-led project (ConProject-003) is funded to drive improvements in care for people with a specific health condition through a dedicated program.
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.