Understanding how tiny hair-like structures in the ear help us hear.
Official title: Investigating the role of mechanotransduction machinery and the rootlet in modulating stereocilia motion.
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11066468 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny hair-like structures in our ears help us hear by seeing how they respond to sound, which could help us understand hearing better and find out why some people might lose their hearing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,224 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DC020656-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066468 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss or those with genetic predispositions to auditory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing who do not have any genetic or age-related hearing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical properties of stereocilia, which are tiny hair-like structures in auditory sensory cells, influence our ability to hear. By examining the connections between these stereocilia and how they respond to sound, the study aims to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that allow sound signals to be transmitted to the brain. The researchers will use advanced technology to measure the forces acting on these structures, which could reveal important insights into hearing function and potential causes of hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or interventions for hearing loss by improving our understanding of how sound is processed in the ear.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanics of auditory hair cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgrath, Jamis — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mcgrath, Jamis
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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.