How NICU light and noise affect early brain and hearing development
An Animal Model of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Exposure to Light and Sound
['FUNDING_R21'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11190849
This work looks at whether bright lights and loud sounds like those in the NICU can change early brain and hearing development relevant to infants born prematurely.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11190849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your baby was born early, this research explores whether the light and noise they experience in the NICU can change how their brain and hearing develop. To do that, scientists use a Mongolian gerbil model whose hearing is similar to humans and open the animals' eyes and ears early to mimic preterm birth. The animals are then exposed to NICU-like levels of light and sound during the brain's early critical period, and researchers record brain and ear responses to track lasting changes. The project combines anatomy, electrophysiology, and behavioral measures to understand how early visual input might alter auditory development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to infants born prematurely who spend time in the NICU and are at risk for hearing, vision, or cognitive delays.
Not a fit: Full-term infants without NICU exposure or people whose hearing or vision problems come from genetic or non-environmental causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to environmental changes or protective strategies in NICUs that reduce lifelong hearing, vision, or learning problems after preterm birth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including recent preliminary work, suggest early light and sound can affect long-term brain development, but translation to human care practices is not yet established.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOWERY, TODD M. — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: MOWERY, TODD M.
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.