How the brain adapts to sensory loss in early development
Official title: Crossmodal plasticity in the auditory cortex in the precritical period
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10954270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brains of young mice adapt when they can't hear, helping us understand how other senses might get stronger to make up for the loss, and it uses special imaging to see these changes in action.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $163,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020560-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include infants and young children with congenital hearing impairments or those at risk of sensory deprivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed sensory systems or those outside the critical developmental age range may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain reorganizes itself when one sensory system is deprived, particularly focusing on the auditory cortex in young mice. By observing changes in brain activity during the critical early weeks of development, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms of crossmodal plasticity, where the brain compensates for lost sensory input by enhancing other senses. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to monitor brain activity in real-time, providing insights into how sensory experiences shape brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating sensory impairments in children, potentially improving outcomes for those with hearing loss or other sensory deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory plasticity, but this specific investigation into early developmental changes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mukherjee, Didhiti — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mukherjee, Didhiti
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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.