Researchers have developed mini eyes, or organoids, from stem cells donated by patients with Usher syndrome. These mini eyes allow scientists to study light-sensing cells and understand the development of blindness in the disease.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new method to control mosquito populations by altering the frequency of sound that males listen for. By using serotonin-inhibiting compounds, they reduced the range of frequencies males respond to and their response itself.
A University of Essex study found that over 90% of deaf people struggled to communicate while wearing masks, with 76% missing vital information and 59% feeling disconnected from society. The researchers hope their findings will inform public policy in future health emergencies.
A recent study found that American Sign Language (ASL) features a copula called SELF, previously thought to be absent. Researchers tracked the evolution of SELF through historical records and social media videos, discovering a pattern termed the 'copula cycle' that spans over 150 years
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC found that cochlear implants improve deaf children's cognitive, adaptive behavior, language, and auditory skills, regardless of developmental impairments. The study suggests that deaf children with learning delays should receive cochlear implants to reach their full potential.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a new Clinical Practice Resource to guide the treatment of patients with hearing loss. The resource offers information on causes, presentations, and approaches to clinical evaluation and genetic testing.
Researchers at Stockholm University mapped physicochemical properties of proteins in 20,000 organisms, revealing a universal problem that has shaped the proteins of all cellular organisms. This balance between repulsive and attractive forces ensures functional control and is carefully tuned to an organism's environment and lifestyle.
Researchers used AI to analyze videos of over 2,500 ASL signs and found that challenging signs are made closer to the signer's face, making them easier for perceivers to recognize. This suggests that ASL has evolved to be more recognizable, improving communication.
Researchers developed an audio-tactile sensory substitution device (SSD) that converts sound frequencies to vibrations, significantly improving speech comprehension in noisy environments. The technology has shown promise in training hearing-impaired individuals to better understand speech.
A developmental gene found in humans is also present in sea anemones and plays a critical role in their ability to sense touch. This discovery sheds light on the ancient evolutionary roots of human hearing and its connection to other sensory modalities.
Independence Science has received a $254,767 NSF grant to develop Sci-Dot, a multiline Braille device that collects and analyzes scientific data. The device addresses limitations of current Braille displays and allows blind students to set up and collect experimental data independently.
A new project led by Assistant Professor Yun Huang is developing technologies to improve the accessibility of online STEM learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and non-native English speakers. The project will create effective Q&A mechanisms and interaction designs, including chatbots, to enable collaborative caption generation.
A study on Ankylosaurus austriacus, a nodosaurid dinosaur from Austria, found that its brain was similar to those of its relatives, but with a small flocculus indicating poor balance. The dinosaur's auditory capacities were also limited due to a short lagena, suggesting an exceptionally sluggish lifestyle.
The study found that the prevalence of serious hearing loss declined by 2.5% among older Americans between 2008 and 2017. Notably, females experienced a significant decline in serious hearing loss, with a 10% decrease in odds of serious hearing loss observed across all age cohorts.
A study by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that cochlear implantation can improve language skills and social engagement in deaf children with autism spectrum disorder. The study reported improved outcomes in 86% of children, including enhanced communication and interaction with families.
A randomized controlled trial found that assistance dogs significantly improved wellbeing, mental health and independence for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Participants reported better mental well-being, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduced social isolation.
A University of California, Riverside-led study found that deafness is a significant barrier to accessing health care and resources for deaf individuals living with HIV. The research highlights the need for improved communication, cultural competency, and accessibility in healthcare services to support aging deaf people with HIV.
A survey study found that wearing standard masks hinders nonverbal cues and emotional expression in healthcare workers. Transparent masks could help mitigate this issue during the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing communication between patients and caregivers.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that transparent masks can facilitate easier communication between healthcare workers and patients, particularly for individuals with hearing loss. The results showed that 91% of deaf or hard-of-hearing health care workers preferred transparent masks over opaque ones.
A group of deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists argue that providing basic standards of support can increase diversity in fields of science and medicine. The authors propose five pillars to promote inclusion, including peer mentorship, captioning at conferences, and opportunities for leadership roles.
Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.
Researchers have determined the structure of a molecule that helps S. pneumoniae take up manganese, a mineral essential for its survival. This finding could aid in designing new drugs to block this pathway and deny the bacteria its manganese supply.
Researchers have discovered that the Usher syndrome type 1G protein SANS plays a crucial role in regulating splicing process, leading to errors in related genes and disease progression. The study aims to elucidate molecular basis of blindness in Usher syndrome patients.
Finnish researchers have identified the LOXHD1 gene as the cause of nonsyndromic early-onset hereditary canine hearing loss in Rottweilers. The study's findings have implications for breeding practices, allowing dogs to be tested for the defective gene and preventing deafness in puppies.
Researchers have found that a truncated version of the otoferlin gene, including its transmembrane domain, is essential for proper neurotransmitter release and sensory cell maturation. This discovery brings scientists closer to developing gene therapy treatments for severe congenital hearing loss.
Infants from deaf families exposed to American Sign Language at home looked primarily at the face while watching a signer, whereas those with hearing parents who spoke English barely looked at the hands. The study suggests that sign-language exposure impacts infant gaze patterns and may support later language learning.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed an experimental hearing implant that can register brain waves to measure hearing quality. This innovation enables smart hearing aids with objective, user-independent assessments and potentially automates self-adjustments.
The SignON project, funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, will develop a mobile solution for automatic translation between sign and oral languages. The platform aims to facilitate exchange between deaf and hard of hearing individuals and hearing people across Europe.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University have developed a new gene therapy that replaces the genetic defect causing deafness in mice. The treatment enabled cells to continue functioning normally, preventing gradual deterioration of hearing.
Researchers developed a method to reformulate gentamicin, reducing the risk of irreversible hearing loss. The new formulation, C2b, shows comparable effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.
Researchers discovered the precise construction of moths wings that enable extraordinary ultrasound-absorptive properties, creating a resonant absorber 100 times thinner than sound wavelength. This breakthrough inspires the design of ultra-thin sound absorbers for homes and offices.
Researchers found that generating content during experiences increases immersion and enjoyment. People tend to create content that is directly relevant to their current experience, with positive effects on evaluations. Marketers can encourage consumers to generate content by offering incentives or social norms nudges.
Researchers developed SoundWatch, a smartwatch app for deaf, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing people to receive sound alerts from various sources. The app uses machine learning to identify and classify common home-related sounds, enhancing users' experiences and connection to the world.
Researchers are developing an AI application to teach American Sign Language learners about associated facial expressions and head gestures. The project also aims to create tools for anonymous video communications, enabling private conversations among ASL users.
Researchers analyzed Steak-umm's Twitter account and found four key themes: praise, leadership, surprise, and intent to purchase. The study suggests that brands can connect with audiences online by communicating on a human-to-human level and contributing to social change.
Deaf children need new social spaces and support as specialist schools close, according to a study by Dr. Hannah Anglin-Jaffe. The proposed hubs would provide expertise on visual learning methods, sign language tuition, and Deaf culture access.
A recent study by Rain Bosworth explores how gaze behaviors reveal cognitive effort and knowledge in signers, with novice and fluent signers exhibiting different eye movements. Fluent signers primarily focus on the face and utilize peripheral vision to catch details.
A study by McGill University researchers has identified neural markers related to beat synchronization in musicians' brains, revealing that it takes more than just moving or listening well to keep the beat. The findings suggest that practice can improve one's ability to synchronize and that around 2-3% of the population are 'beat deaf',
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that severe hearing loss in childhood cancer survivors is associated with neurocognitive deficits independent of therapy type. The study evaluated 1,520 survivors and discovered that more than one-third had severe hearing loss, leading to increased risk of neurocognitive problems.
Scientists have developed a wireless, optical cochlear implant that uses LED lights to restore hearing in deaf rats and gerbils. The device generates more selective signals than prior designs, offering improvements over current electrode-based implants.
A new MED-EL Synchrony cochlear implant design allows children to undergo MRI scans safely and comfortably, reducing the need for sedation or anesthesia. The innovative device eliminates the need for surgical removal of the magnet or a head wrap, increasing accessibility to critical diagnostic tools.
A UCLA bioengineer designed a glove-like device that can translate American Sign Language into English speech in real-time using a smartphone app. The system uses thin sensors to pick up hand motions and finger placements, which are then translated into spoken words at the rate of about one word per second.
Researchers used a new genetic engineering technique, known as base editing, to repair a single mutation in the Tmc1 gene, restoring partial hearing in mice. The technique has potential for treating other genetic forms of hearing loss and diseases.
A team of researchers led by Jung-Bum Shin identified Myosin-VIIa as a crucial protein in maintaining proper tension in hair cell mechanoreceptors, enabling sound detection. The discovery sheds light on the biological architecture of hearing and may lead to new treatments for hearing loss.
San Diego State University researchers found a similar brain glitch occurs in signing and speaking errors, which could improve rehabilitation therapy for deaf signers after a stroke. The study used EEG recordings to analyze the brains of both hearing and deaf signers.
Researchers discovered that moth thorax scales can absorb and reduce sound energy, evading bats' echolocation. This innovative defense strategy increases moth survival chances.
Researchers discovered that the inferior colliculus in mice integrates sound and movement information, allowing for rapid and accurate responses to external sounds. This integration helps prevent movement-related sounds from interfering with hearing, promoting survival.
Researchers found that Western sign languages have DNA traces from 5 European locations, including Austrian, British, French, Spanish, and Swedish. The study used genetic techniques to analyze data from dozens of sign languages, revealing a clearer picture of their evolution and historical development.
Researchers identified five main European sign language lineages that dispersed globally from the late 18th century, tracing their evolution through a comprehensive database of manual alphabets and handshapes. The study provides new insights into the origins and spread of sign languages, highlighting unexpected connections between Aust...
Researchers recreated the emergence of language in deaf communities by challenging children to communicate with each other without spoken language. They found that children invented signs for abstract concepts and gradually developed grammatical structures, demonstrating that communication cannot be reduced to words alone.
A study from the University of California, Davis found a link between high levels of DDT and increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease in Asian Indian immigrants. Prior exposure to the pollutant may contribute to their higher rate of diabetes, even after migration to the US.
The University of Arizona is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding to train students as educational interpreters and teachers for K-12 students with visual impairments. This program aims to address a shortage in these fields, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships.
Research reveals Deaf infants exposed to American Sign Language exhibit advanced eye-gaze behavior, including 'checking-back' cues. This finding suggests social-cognitive development can be shaped by early-life experiences and visual learning ecologies.
A recent study published in Developmental Science found that Deaf infants raised by Deaf parents are more attuned to their parent's visual cues than hearing infants. This suggests that early experiences with visual language can shape a child's social and communication skills.
A team of researchers has reevaluated a 430,000-year-old cranium, previously thought to be deaf, and found that the individual had normal hearing. The study used CT scans and virtual 3D models to analyze ear structures, revealing that the extra bony growths did not impact hearing abilities.
Research shows that even mild-to-moderate hearing loss in young children can lead to changes in how their brains process sounds. Detecting these problems early is crucial to limit brain changes and improve language development.
Researchers find that opsin proteins and retinal enzymes have independent biological functions beyond vision, including hearing. This discovery challenges current understanding of eye evolution and highlights the importance of molecular components in multiple sensory pathways.
Researchers uncover a molecular mechanism controlling neural stem cell development, enabling precise differentiation into neurons. The discovery sheds light on brain developmental processes and has implications for stem cell biology and cancer research.
Researchers studied 27 deaf volunteers in Nicaragua to understand how NSL generates language; they found that symmetrical signs are fundamental to human conception of language. This discovery suggests that distinctions of symmetry are present even in isolated instances of language generation.
Researchers at RIT/NTID create short, conceptually accurate signed videos to address academic language barrier in physics. The project aims to increase deaf individuals' engagement in STEM disciplines by creating a sustainable online repository of technical signs.