How low doses of bisphenol A affect vocal development in frogs
Official title: The effects of life-long exposure to low doses of bisphenol A on the development and use of vocal pathways in X. laevis
Funded at Notre Dame of Maryland University · NIH-11160045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how low levels of a chemical called BPA might affect the way South African clawed frogs develop their voices as they grow up, and it could help us understand similar issues in humans, especially when it comes to learning to speak.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Notre Dame of Maryland University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $161,776 |
| NIH project number | 7R15DC020315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about the effects of environmental toxins on developmental health, particularly in children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to bisphenol A or similar endocrine-disrupting chemicals may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of low-dose exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, on the vocal development of the South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. The study aims to track how BPA exposure impacts vocalization patterns from juvenile stages into adulthood, using both in vivo and in vitro analyses. By examining the larynx and neural structures involved in vocalization, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind any vocal deficits caused by BPA. This work is crucial as it may provide insights into similar effects in humans, particularly regarding language acquisition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how environmental chemicals like BPA affect vocal development and language acquisition in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have indicated that endocrine disruptors can significantly impact developmental processes in various species.
Where this research is happening
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Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Ian Christopher — Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Study coordinator: Hall, Ian Christopher
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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.