Understanding how the brain processes sounds and sights together
Cortical circuitry supporting flexible audiovisual interactions and behaviors
This study is looking at how our brains combine what we see and hear, using special techniques on awake mice to see how visual information affects how they process sounds, which could help us understand how our senses work together in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906909 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's auditory and visual systems interact, particularly focusing on the circuitry that supports these crossmodal interactions. By using advanced techniques in awake transgenic mice, the researchers will explore how visual information influences sound processing in the auditory cortex. The study aims to identify the connections that relay visual signals to the auditory system and understand the functional consequences of these interactions on behavior. This could provide insights into how sensory information is integrated in the brain, which is crucial for adaptive behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who may benefit from improved sensory integration therapies.
Not a fit: Patients without autism spectrum disorder or those who do not experience sensory processing challenges may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by enhancing sensory processing and adaptive behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory integration, but this specific approach using transgenic models and optogenetics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasenstaub, Andrea Rayne — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hasenstaub, Andrea Rayne
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.