Understanding how the brain processes important sounds
Dendritic Mechanisms Underlying Behaviorally-Relevant Activity in a Descending Auditory Pathway
This study looks at how the brain helps us hear and understand important sounds, like speech, by examining the connections in mice, which could help us learn more about how hearing loss as we age affects our listening skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004973 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's auditory system processes sounds that are important for communication and learning. By studying the connections between the auditory cortex and midbrain in mice, the researchers aim to uncover how the brain prioritizes certain sounds over others. The approach involves advanced techniques to observe brain activity and understand the mechanisms that allow us to focus on relevant auditory information. This could lead to insights into how age-related hearing loss affects our ability to listen actively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss or deficits in auditory processing.
Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing or those with hearing loss due to non-age-related factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of auditory processing and lead to better treatments for age-related hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing, but this specific approach focusing on descending pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Apostolides, Pierre F — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Apostolides, Pierre F
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.