Improving how aging individuals process vocal communication signals
Official title: Epigenetic rescue of age-related deficits in auditory processing of vocal communication signals
Funded at Queens College · NIH-10730818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects our ability to understand and remember sounds, like voices, and it’s using songbirds to help find ways to boost memory for these sounds, which could lead to better communication skills for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Queens College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flushing, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $477,683 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DC020847-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing age-related auditory processing deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related cognitive decline or auditory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age-related cognitive decline affects the ability to process and remember vocal communication signals. By using a songbird model, which learns vocal signals similarly to humans, the study aims to explore targeted epigenetic manipulation to enhance auditory memory. The researchers will also look at how this manipulation impacts inflammation and neurogenesis in the brain areas responsible for auditory processing. This approach could provide insights into potential interventions for improving communication abilities in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance auditory processing and memory in aging individuals, potentially reducing social isolation and associated mental health issues.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of songbirds for studying auditory processing is well-established, the specific approach of epigenetic manipulation in the context of aging is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Queens College
Flushing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pytte, Carolyn Liv — Queens College
- Study coordinator: Pytte, Carolyn Liv
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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.