How the brain learns to understand communication sounds
Functional approach to communication sound processing in mouse auditory cortex
This project aims to understand how the brain learns and processes the sounds we use to communicate, like speech.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105986 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to discover how the brain learns to recognize and connect new sounds with their meaning, especially when there are many similar sounds or background noise. By studying how the brain processes communication sounds in mice, we hope to uncover the basic ways our own brains learn to understand language and social cues. This work looks at the detailed cellular and network mechanisms involved in hearing and making sense of important sounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this foundational work uses animal models, future clinical applications could benefit individuals with acoustic perceptual disorders or difficulties in social communication.
Not a fit: Patients would not directly participate in this specific animal model research, so there is no immediate direct benefit for them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of communication disorders and potentially new ways to help people who struggle with processing speech and other social sounds.
How similar studies have performed: This project addresses a recognized gap in understanding the detailed cellular and circuit mechanisms of how the brain learns the social meaning of new communication sounds.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Robert C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Robert C
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.