Understanding how the brain controls stopping speech
Official title: Neural mechanisms for stopping ongoing speech production
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10738305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains help us control when to stop talking during conversations, which could help us understand speech issues like stuttering and aphasia better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $122,904 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DC020235-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing speech production difficulties, such as those with aphasia or stuttering.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any speech or communication disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that allow individuals to precisely control the timing of their speech during conversations, particularly focusing on how to quickly stop speaking before finishing an utterance. By examining the neural circuits involved in speech production, especially in areas of the brain like the sensorimotor and premotor cortices, the study aims to uncover how these circuits respond to cues that signal a stop in speech. The findings could provide insights into normal speech production and the underlying causes of communication disorders such as stuttering and aphasia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for speech and communication disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural mechanisms related to speech production, but this specific focus on stopping speech is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Lingyun — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Lingyun
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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.