Understanding how the brain controls flexible vocal communication
Official title: Neural Mechanisms for Flexible Vocal Communication
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-10658308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how singing mice change their sounds depending on who they're with, helping us understand the brain's role in vocal communication, which could also shed light on communication challenges in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,119,145 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS132046-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10658308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with communication impairments or disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have communication disorders or impairments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that allow animals, particularly singing mice, to adapt their vocalizations based on social contexts. By examining how the brain processes sensory inputs and adjusts motor outputs in real-time, the study aims to uncover the neural circuits responsible for vocal flexibility. The research utilizes advanced techniques in neurophysiology and gene expression to explore these mechanisms, potentially providing insights into communication disorders. The findings could enhance our understanding of vocal communication in both animals and humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for communication disorders by revealing how vocal flexibility is controlled in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding vocal communication in other species, but this specific approach using singing mice is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banerjee, Arkarup — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Banerjee, Arkarup
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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.