How brain cells respond to timing in communication sounds

Mechanisms of temporal selectivity in the anuran auditory midbrain

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10531249

This study is looking at how frog brain cells listen to sounds and pay attention to different timing details, which could help us understand how hearing works in frogs and maybe even in people too!

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10531249 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how neurons in the midbrain of frogs selectively respond to different timing features of sounds, such as pulse rate and duration. By examining the role of specific receptors and neural projections, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow these neurons to process auditory information effectively. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including pharmacological manipulations and computational methods, to analyze how these brain cells communicate and respond to natural sounds. This work could provide valuable insights into auditory processing that may have implications for understanding communication in other species, including humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with auditory processing disorders or related communication challenges.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to auditory processing or those not experiencing communication difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of auditory processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for communication disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While this research employs novel methodologies, similar studies have shown promise in understanding auditory processing in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.