Understanding how animals recognize communication sounds

CRCNS: Conserved neural computations underlying communication sound recognition in rodents and primates

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11083190

This study is looking at how different animals, like rodents and primates, understand and group sounds they hear, especially when it comes to communication, to see if they use similar methods in their brains, which could help us learn more about how both animals and humans communicate.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11083190 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how different species, including rodents and primates, recognize and categorize vocal communication sounds. It focuses on the auditory cortex, where the brain processes these sounds, and aims to uncover whether the strategies used for sound recognition are similar across species. By using advanced recording techniques and computational models, the study will explore how the brain learns to identify important features in vocalizations. This could provide insights into the neural mechanisms behind communication in both animals and humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with communication disorders or those interested in the neuroscience of sound recognition.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have communication impairments or are not interested in the underlying neural mechanisms of sound recognition may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of communication disorders and lead to better treatments for individuals with such impairments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding sound recognition in animals, making this approach promising and relevant.

Where this research is happening

PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.