How chronic stress affects vocal learning in birds and humans
Neurogenetic mechanisms underlying effects of chronic stress on vocal learning in adults and juveniles
['FUNDING_R21'] · NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY LAS CRUCES · NIH-10527057
This study looks at how long-term stress affects the ability of budgerigars to learn new sounds, which could help us understand similar challenges in people, and it will compare stressed birds to those that aren't stressed to see what happens to their learning skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY LAS CRUCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LAS CRUCES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10527057 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of chronic stress on the ability to learn new vocalizations, using budgerigars as a model for understanding similar effects in humans. The study will expose adult budgerigars to different levels of stress and measure changes in their vocal learning capabilities, as well as the biological mechanisms involved, such as gene expression in the brain. By comparing stressed and non-stressed birds, researchers aim to uncover how stress influences cognitive functions related to language learning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing chronic stress who may have difficulties with language learning or cognitive functions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing chronic stress or who do not have language learning difficulties may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for cognitive and language learning difficulties associated with chronic stress in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that chronic stress negatively impacts cognitive functions in various species, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
LAS CRUCES, UNITED STATES
- NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY LAS CRUCES — LAS CRUCES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WRIGHT, TIMOTHY F — NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY LAS CRUCES
- Study coordinator: WRIGHT, TIMOTHY F
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 below.
Conditions: Behavior Disorders, behavioral disorder