Understanding how the brain controls speech generation
Official title: Neural control of speech generation in human motor cortex
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10890159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how the brain helps us talk, with the goal of creating new technology that can help people who have trouble speaking communicate better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,560 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DC021297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890159 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with speech disorders due to conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact speech capabilities or those whose speech disorders are not related to neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in speech generation by examining the motor cortex of the brain. It aims to develop advanced brain-computer interfaces that can help individuals with speech disabilities communicate more effectively. The project will analyze how specific neural patterns correspond to spoken words and how context influences these patterns. By leveraging cutting-edge computational tools, the research seeks to translate neural signals into actionable communication outputs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance communication abilities for individuals with speech impairments caused by neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neural decoding techniques for communication, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in assistive technologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rubin, Daniel B — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rubin, Daniel B
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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.