Understanding how the brain controls tongue movements for eating and speaking
Neural Mechanisms of miss- and touch-guided sensorimotor corrections
This study is looking at how our brains help us move our tongues when we eat and talk, especially when we make mistakes, and it could help people with conditions like Parkinson's disease and ALS that affect tongue movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10942766 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that guide tongue movements, particularly in the context of eating and speaking. By using advanced techniques like high-speed videography and deep learning, the study aims to quantify how the tongue corrects its movements when it misses a target, similar to how we adjust our hand movements. The research focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in these corrections, which could provide insights into disorders that affect tongue coordination, such as Parkinson's disease and ALS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological conditions that affect tongue movement and coordination, such as Parkinson's disease or ALS.
Not a fit: Patients without neurological disorders or those who do not experience difficulties with tongue movements may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with swallowing and speech difficulties caused by neurological diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding motor control in other areas, but this specific focus on tongue movements is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Jesse Heymann — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Jesse Heymann
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 below.