Understanding how brain circuits process sound and spatial information
Official title: The functional logic of local circuits in auditory and parietal cortices
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10975069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different brain cells work together to help us locate sounds, using mice to learn more about how our brains process what we hear, which could help us understand hearing problems better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $594,286 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS135074-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with auditory processing disorders or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to auditory processing or those who do not have neurological disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the intricate networks of neurons in the auditory and parietal cortices of the brain, focusing on how these networks communicate and process information. By using advanced techniques like optogenetic stimulation and two-photon calcium imaging in mice, the study aims to uncover the roles of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in sound localization tasks. The findings could provide insights into how the brain organizes sensory information and may have implications for understanding brain disorders related to auditory processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of auditory processing and lead to improved treatments for brain disorders affecting hearing and spatial awareness.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding neural circuits in the brain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Runyan, Caroline Anne — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Runyan, Caroline Anne
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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.