How brain waves help barn owls locate sounds

Role of brain oscillations in midbrain and forebrain networks supporting stimulus selection in the sound localization pathway of barn owls

NIH-funded research Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10992628

This study looks at how barn owls use their brain waves to help them find and focus on sounds, aiming to learn more about how their brains work when they listen to different noises.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bronx, United States)
Project IDNIH-10992628 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how brain oscillations, or brain waves, in barn owls contribute to their ability to select and localize sounds. By using advanced techniques to record brain activity in awake owls, the study aims to understand how these oscillations reflect the combined activity of neural populations in response to auditory stimuli. The research focuses on the midbrain and forebrain networks involved in sound localization, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying attention and perception in these birds.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with auditory processing disorders or those interested in the neural basis of sound localization.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to auditory processing or those not affected by sound localization issues may not receive any 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 hearing-related disorders in humans.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using multielectrode arrays in awake barn owls is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding brain oscillations in other species.

Where this research is happening

Bronx, 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 2026-06-15 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.