Understanding how the brain recognizes voices in noisy places
Neural basis of vocal signal recognition during natural communication
This research explores how our brains pick out one voice from many sounds, like at a busy party.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Imagine trying to hear a friend's voice in a crowded, noisy room; this common challenge is called the 'Cocktail Party Problem.' We don't fully understand how the brain manages this complex task. This project uses a new approach with marmoset monkeys to create realistic noisy environments and observe how their brains process sounds. By studying these brain mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how humans hear and understand speech in challenging situations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but it is relevant for individuals interested in the basic science of hearing and auditory processing disorders.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from participating in this basic science animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how the brain processes sound, potentially helping people with hearing difficulties in noisy environments.
How similar studies have performed: This project introduces a novel behavioral paradigm in animal models to recreate the complexities of real-world noisy environments, building on existing knowledge of auditory processing.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Cory T — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Miller, Cory T
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.