How the Brain Connects Sound and Movement
Sensorimotor integration in the auditory dorsal stream
This project helps us understand how the brain links what we hear with how we move, which is important for things like speaking and playing music.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089423 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains constantly connect what we hear with how we move, a process called sensorimotor integration, which is vital for everyday actions like speaking or playing an instrument. This project uses advanced brain imaging in rhesus monkeys to explore a specific brain pathway that handles this connection. By training monkeys to play sound sequences on a special 'monkey piano,' we can observe how their brains process sounds they create themselves versus sounds they only listen to. This helps us learn more about how the brain integrates auditory and motor information, providing insights into how humans learn and perform complex tasks involving sound and movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who might benefit from future applications of this work include those with difficulties in speech, movement coordination, or conditions like apraxia or ataxia.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct participation in human trials will not find this basic science project directly applicable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this brain pathway could lead to new ways to help people with conditions affecting speech, movement coordination, or musical abilities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in this area has shown promising results in identifying how the brain processes self-produced sounds.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Georgetown University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rauschecker, Josef P — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Rauschecker, Josef P
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.