Understanding how birds integrate hearing and singing
Official title: Delineation of auditory-motor population dynamics underlying sensorimotor integration in the birdsong system
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10936526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how European starlings use what they hear to improve their singing, helping us understand how their brains work when they make music, which could also give us clues about how communication happens in other animals, including people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2023 |
| Project end | August 25, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,609 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021631-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in the neurobiological basis of communication and learning, particularly in relation to auditory and motor integration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to auditory processing or motor control may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain of European starlings integrates auditory feedback while producing their songs. By simultaneously recording neural activity in both auditory and motor regions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow birds to fine-tune their vocalizations in real-time. The approach combines advanced experimental techniques with computational analyses to explore the dynamics of neural populations during birdsong production and perception. This work could provide insights into the fundamental processes of sensorimotor integration, which may have broader implications for understanding communication in other species, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying communication and learning in both birds and humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using animal models to explore sensorimotor integration, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcpherson, Trevor Supan — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Mcpherson, Trevor Supan
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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.