Understanding how facial movements are controlled and coordinated
Official title: The shape, movement, and signals of active sensors: Modeling the biomechanics of deformable orofacial organs
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10930308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our facial movements, like whisking and licking, work and how our brain controls them, with the hope that what we learn can help improve treatments for people with facial movement disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $284,940 |
| NIH project number | 1U19NS137920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with disorders affecting facial movements or sensory processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any orofacial movement disorders or related neurological conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biomechanics and neuronal control of facial movements, specifically focusing on actions like whisking and licking. By modeling the interactions between sensory and motor systems, the study aims to uncover how these movements are generated and adjusted in real-time. The research employs both theoretical and computational techniques, alongside experimental data, to explore the dynamics of orofacial organs. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the underlying mechanisms of facial motor actions, which could inform treatments for related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for conditions affecting facial motor control.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding motor control through similar modeling approaches, indicating potential for impactful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golomb, David — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Golomb, David
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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.