Understanding how birds perceive sound fluctuations
Official title: Neural bases of masked amplitude-modulation perception
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10937542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how budgerigars, a type of bird, understand different sounds, especially in noisy places, to help us learn more about how both birds and humans hear and make sense of speech.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $573,385 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021953-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with hearing loss or difficulties in speech perception in noisy environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing who do not experience challenges with sound perception may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how birds, specifically budgerigars, process sound fluctuations that are important for understanding speech. By conducting behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind a processing strategy called the 'modulation filterbank,' which helps separate different sounds in noisy environments. The research will involve training the birds to respond to various sound patterns while recording their brain activity to gain insights into their auditory perception. This approach could enhance our understanding of hearing mechanisms that are relevant to both animals and humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for diagnosing and treating hearing impairments in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to understand auditory processing, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henry, Kenneth Stuart — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Henry, Kenneth Stuart
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Rapid automated breast lump diagnosis without a radiologist or sonographer
A new AI-powered ultrasound tool helps determine if a palpable breast lump is likely benign or malignant, using a simplified technique that can be used by people with minimal ultrasound training.
-
ML-ROVER: Reducing Unneeded Lab Tests in Kids with AI
Aims to use machine learning to cut unnecessary blood tests in children in intensive care, helping avoid anemia and improve care quality.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect the brains of children with CNS malaria
A study planned for children with CNS malaria will test whether aggressive fever-reducing treatment can lower death and brain-related problems.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect brains in children with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medications to children with central nervous system malaria can lower death and brain injury.
-
Aggressive fever-fighting treatment to protect the brain in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing treatment alongside standard care can lower death and brain injury in children with CNS malaria.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing treatment to protect brains in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medicine alongside standard malaria treatment can lower deaths and brain injuries in children with CNS malaria.
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.