How mice use sound to improve their movements and learn from mistakes
Official title: A cortical role for skilled, sound-guided behavior in mice
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11043228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the part of the brain that processes sound helps mice learn from their mistakes and get better at moving their paws when they follow sounds, which could teach us more about how animals use what they hear to improve their actions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,666 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021868-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with auditory processing disorders or those undergoing rehabilitation for motor skills affected by auditory feedback.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to auditory processing or motor control may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the auditory cortex in mice helps them detect errors and improve their movements when performing sound-guided tasks. By creating a closed-loop system where mice receive real-time acoustic feedback, the researchers will assess the role of the auditory cortex in guiding skilled forelimb movements. The study aims to uncover the neural circuits involved in integrating sound, motor actions, and learning signals, which could provide insights into how animals adapt their behaviors based on auditory cues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how auditory feedback influences learning and behavior, potentially leading to new strategies for rehabilitation in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding the role of auditory feedback in motor learning.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zempolich, Grant William Meany — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zempolich, Grant William Meany
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.