Understanding how the brain processes sounds in primates
Official title: Auditory perceptual processing in the primate superior colliculus
Funded at State College of Optometry · NIH-11164973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain helps us make sense of tricky sounds, which could help people with hearing problems understand their condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State College of Optometry NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,520 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DC022778-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing auditory processing disorders or related auditory dysfunctions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely peripheral hearing loss or those without any auditory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the primate brain transforms complex and uncertain auditory signals into clear perceptions. By focusing on the superior colliculus, a brain area known for its role in processing auditory information, the research aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that help establish decision criteria for interpreting sounds. Through a series of experiments, the study will explore how the brain makes decisions based on auditory cues, which could enhance our understanding of auditory processing disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how auditory perception works in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with auditory processing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on decision criteria in the primate superior colliculus is novel, related research has shown success in understanding auditory processing in other brain areas.
Where this research is happening
-
State College of Optometry
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conroy, Christopher Wood — State College of Optometry
- Study coordinator: Conroy, Christopher Wood
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how myopia and glaucoma are connected through eye mechanics
This study looks at how eye growth in myopia may influence glaucoma risk and what markers could identify it early.
-
Saccade target choice in natural viewing
A study exploring how the brain quickly picks where to look next in real-world scenes, with potential relevance to ADHD-related attention challenges.
-
Using tiny RNA signals to help retinal cells and restore vision
Looking at tiny genetic switches called microRNAs to guide retinal cell development and turn support cells into working vision cells for people at risk of blindness.
-
How the eye grows and becomes nearsighted, seen cell by cell
This work looks at individual eye cells in a primate model to learn why eyes grow too long and cause nearsightedness in children so future treatments can be improved.
-
Multisensory rehabilitation for people with ultra-low vision
This project will see if combining sound, touch, and remaining vision helps people with ultra-low vision carry out everyday tasks more easily.
-
How Our Eyes Choose What to Look At in Everyday Life
This research explores how our eyes quickly decide where to focus, especially in busy environments, which could help us understand conditions like ADHD.
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.