Understanding how the brain processes natural communication
Official title: CRCNS: Building and testing computational models of the neural basis of natural communication
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11083194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains work when we talk and listen to each other by examining brain activity from epilepsy patients during everyday conversations, with the goal of helping people with communication difficulties.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $409,280 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022534-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with communication and language processing disorders, such as those with autism spectrum disorder or aphasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with communication disorders not related to neural processing, such as purely mechanical speech issues, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that support natural language processing and face-to-face communication by analyzing a large dataset of brain activity from epilepsy patients during everyday conversations. The project will create a unique dataset of continuous electrocorticography (ECoG) data, which captures real-life interactions, and will develop machine learning models to decode this data. By exploring how the brain predicts and integrates spoken language, the research aims to enhance our understanding of communication disorders and improve communication strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights and tools to help individuals with speech and communication disorders express themselves more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning to decode neural activity related to communication, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasson, Uri — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Hasson, Uri
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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.