Understanding how brain circuits control vocal communication in social contexts
Official title: Neural Circuits for Context-Dependent Control of Vocal Communication
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11061056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps with talking and social interactions, especially for people with autism, by using mice to understand the brain pathways that control how we communicate in different social situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $340,179 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136887-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who experience challenges with vocal communication.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorder or those who do not exhibit vocal communication difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits involved in vocal communication, particularly in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By using advanced techniques in mice, the study aims to identify and characterize the neural pathways that regulate social vocalizations based on different social situations. The researchers will employ methods such as calcium imaging and neuronal silencing to explore how these circuits function and how they may differ during various social interactions. This work could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of communication deficits seen in individuals with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving vocal communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding vocal communication through neural circuit analysis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tschida, Katherine — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Tschida, Katherine
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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.