How sound affects brain changes related to hearing as we age
Official title: Sensory-evoked adenosine release in cortical plasticity
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11140475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how sounds can affect the part of the brain that processes what we hear, especially as we get older, and it aims to find ways to help improve hearing and learning for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021511-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may be experiencing age-related declines in auditory perception or language skills.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or those with severe auditory impairments unrelated to age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how acoustic stimuli can influence the brain's auditory cortex, particularly in adults, and how this ability changes with age. It focuses on understanding the role of adenosine release in the brain during sound exposure and how this process can be manipulated to enhance auditory plasticity. By examining the interactions between sound stimuli and neuromodulatory systems, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve auditory perception and learning in adults. Patients may benefit from insights into how to maintain or enhance their hearing abilities as they age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving auditory processing and language acquisition in adults, particularly as they age.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory plasticity and neuromodulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zakharenko, Stanislav S — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zakharenko, Stanislav S
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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.