How arousal affects brain cells in the auditory cortex
Official title: Arousal-dependent modulation of layer 5 neurons in the auditory cortex
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10995435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our excitement or calmness affects certain brain cells that help us hear, so we can better understand how our feelings influence how we make choices and react to sounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC021867-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with auditory processing issues or those interested in how emotional states affect hearing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in auditory processing or those without auditory-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different levels of arousal influence the activity of specific neurons in the auditory cortex, which is crucial for processing sound. By examining the relationship between arousal states and neural responses, the study aims to understand how these factors affect behavior and decision-making. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including 2-photon imaging, to observe the activity of layer 5 neurons in response to varying arousal levels. This could provide insights into how our brain processes auditory information under different emotional states.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of auditory processing and lead to improved treatments for auditory-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between arousal and sensory processing, but this specific focus on layer 5 neurons in the auditory cortex is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaufman, Keith — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kaufman, Keith
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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.