A team of researchers generated a developmental map of the mouse inner ear's sound-sensing structure, providing insights into genetic programs that drive cell formation. The study sheds light on underlying causes of hearing loss linked to Ehlers-Danlos and Loeys-Dietz syndromes.
A recent NIH study using a mouse model of stuttering identified the loss of astrocytes as a critical brain cell type involved in the disorder. The research found that this loss was most prominent in the corpus callosum, a part of the brain that bridges the two hemispheres. This discovery could lead to novel interventions for stuttering...
Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with an increased preference for menthol cigarettes, specifically in African-American smokers. The MRGPRX4 gene variant is five to eight times more frequent among menthol cigarette users, suggesting a potential underlying factor for the higher use of these products among this population.
A new study reveals 6.5% of people over 40 experience phantom odors, unrelated to odor identification skills. Risk factors include age, sex, education level, and socio-economic status.
Researchers at the University of Iowa and National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders have discovered a novel drug therapy that partially restores hearing in mice with an inherited form of progressive human deafness. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition, suggesting a new treat...
Cisplatin, a common cancer drug, causes permanent hearing loss in 40-80% of adult patients and at least half of children. Researchers found that the inner ear builds up the drug, leading to damage. Targeting the stria vascularis region could prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Researchers found a decline in hearing loss prevalence among US adults aged 20 to 69 years, from 16% to 14%, between 1999-2004 and 2011-2012 periods. The study suggests that age-related hearing loss may be delayed until later in life.
A large-scale survey of US children found that nearly 3.3 million have dizziness or balance issues, with prevalence increasing with age. Girls and non-Hispanic white children are more likely to experience these problems.
Researchers have created a high-resolution gene expression map of newborn mouse inner ear cells, providing insight into their development and differentiation. The findings may lead to the development of cell-based therapies for hearing loss and balance disorders.
A recent study by the NIH found that nearly 1 in 7 Hispanic/Latino adults have some form of hearing loss, with Puerto Ricans facing the highest risk. The study identified several factors contributing to this risk, including age, education level, and diabetes.
A recent NIH study has identified a crucial gene involved in the early development of cilia, which are essential for cell communication and sensory systems. Without this gene, mice failed to grow cilia, leading to embryonic death, highlighting the importance of Cc2d2a in cilia formation.
Researchers identify Bmp7 molecule as key player in establishing auditory system organization and positioning of sensory cells. The study offers insight into how hair cells learn to detect specific frequencies, shedding light on a fundamental principle of the auditory system.
Researchers have found that supporting cells in the inner ear can actively help repair damaged sensory hair cells, potentially offering a pathway to prevent hearing loss. The study suggests that these cells produce heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), which protects neighboring hair cells from death.
A team of NIH-supported researchers has identified a two-step process that occurs during the growth and regeneration of inner ear tip links. The discovery provides a possible mechanism for potential interventions that could preserve hearing in individuals with genetic disorders related to tip link dysfunction.
Researchers scanned the brains of 12 freestyle rap artists to study their brain activity during improvisation. The findings show that freestyling increases brain activity in areas responsible for motivation, language, and emotion, allowing for a unique flow of thoughts and words.
Researchers restored olfactory function in mice with congenital anosmia by introducing a healthy copy of the IFT88 gene, leading to improved feeding behavior and weight gain. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for treating people born with anosmia.
Research funded by NIH shows that deaf people use auditory cortex for touch processing and visual stimuli more than hearing people. The finding suggests that the brain adapts and takes on additional sensory tasks in response to early loss of a sense, such as hearing.
Researchers discuss advancements in cochlear implant technology and spiral ganglion cell regeneration, aiming to improve sound localization and processing. They also explore strategies for auditory training of older adults to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments.
Researchers have identified two key proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, that are crucial for the inner ear's transduction channel. The study suggests that TMC1 is essential for hearing, while TMC2 is not, but can substitute for it in the vestibular system.
A new screening method using newborn saliva has been shown to effectively identify CMV infection in newborns. The test achieved a sensitivity of 97.4% when dry samples were used, making it a promising tool for widespread screening programs. Researchers are now exploring the contribution of congenital CMV infection to overall hearing loss.
A large clinical trial has shown that direct injection of steroids into the middle ear is equally effective as oral steroids in restoring hearing levels in patients with sudden deafness. The study results, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, have implications for treatment options and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers from the NIDCD presented studies on the effects of chronic inflammation on taste tissues in the tongue, as well as the neural mechanisms underlying the anticipation of flavors. Their findings offer new insights into the progression of olfactory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and potential strategies for treatment.
Researchers use vagus nerve stimulation paired with sound tones to retrain the brain and reduce ringing in the ears. After 20 days of treatment, tinnitus disappeared in noise-exposed rats, persisting for up to 3.5 months.
A study found that the traditional 'heel stick' test is not an effective screening tool for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns. The test, which involves pricking a baby's heel and analyzing dried blood samples, was unable to detect CMV DNA in up to 40% of infected babies.
A study has identified three genes associated with stuttering in volunteers from Pakistan, the US, and England. Mutations in these genes have been linked to other metabolic disorders, suggesting a possible inherited component to stuttering.
An international team of researchers has identified a gene associated with DFN2, a rare form of progressive deafness that primarily affects males. The discovery offers therapeutic implications and may lead to treatments for other types of deafness.
A recent study published in PNAS found that the brain regions responsible for decoding spoken words also process wordless gestures. This discovery challenges traditional theories about the evolution of language and suggests that these brain regions may play a broader role in symbol interpretation.
Studies present promising findings on preventing age-related hearing loss using antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, research sheds light on the role of brain function in understanding speech and language disorders.
Researchers found that individuals with tune deafness, an auditory processing disorder, can detect incorrect notes without conscious awareness. This discovery may help scientists study consciousness using genetic research tools.
Researchers discovered a solitary chemosensory cell plays a crucial role in transmitting irritating chemical odors to the trigeminal nerve. This finding expands our understanding of olfaction and may lead to a better understanding of why some people are exceptionally sensitive to irritating odors.
Researchers used zebrafish to screen for genes and chemical compounds that protect against hair cell damage caused by ototoxic medicines. They identified five mutations in genes that provided protection and two compounds that robustly protected hair cells.
Researchers found that, when jazz musicians improvise, a large portion of the brain's prefrontal region 'takes 5' to let creativity flow. This shutdown allows for novel ideas and impulses to emerge. The study suggests this brain pattern is key to highly creative thought.
A new study sponsored by NIDCD found that intensive educational approaches, including play with peers, can significantly improve language abilities in children with unusual difficulty understanding and using language. The study compared four intervention strategies and found that all resulted in long-term improvements.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Harvard University discovered a family of proteins in mouse urine that elicit aggression response in males. The protein family, comprising the major urinary protein (MUP) complex, is recognized exclusively in the vomeronasal organ and activates specific sensory receptor neurons.
Researchers have identified two key proteins, cadherin 23 and protocadherin 15, that join together at the precise location where sound vibrations are converted into electrical impulses in the ear. This discovery sheds light on the hearing process and may lead to more precise therapies for treating people with hearing loss.
Fruit flies have been found to detect and be attracted to the taste of carbon dioxide dissolved in water, which may aid in scouting for nutritious food. This discovery suggests that humans may also be able to taste carbon dioxide, making their sense of taste more complex.
A comprehensive survey found that most older adults (57-85) are sexually active and view intimacy as crucial to life, but face high rates of 'bothersome' sexual problems. Healthier individuals report more frequent sex, with physical health playing a stronger role than age.
A twin study published by the NIH/NIDCD found that a person's ability to process multiple sounds simultaneously is largely inherited. The researchers discovered that identical twins were more similar in their dichotic listening abilities, with a strong genetic component responsible for up to 73% of the variation.
A blood test detecting tumor-related proteins may help monitor treatment effectiveness and predict cancer recurrence. Patients with low protein levels were more likely to remain in remission, while those with high increases were at higher risk of cancer return.
Dr. Battey's dedication to the chemical senses has led to significant contributions, including leadership in trans-NIH scientific efforts and support of promising young investigators. He will receive the Distinguished Service Award from AChemS for his record of outstanding service.
Research suggests that present-day non-human primates, such as rhesus monkeys and macaques, use brain regions similar to those in humans to process species-specific vocalizations. This finding bolsters the hypothesis that a shared ancestor possessed the neural mechanisms for language, which may have evolved in humans.
Researchers have identified protocadherin-15 as a likely player in the moment-of-truth reaction in which sound is converted into electrical signals. The findings may help understand why some people temporarily lose their hearing after being exposed to loud noise, only to regain it a day or two later.
Researchers find that a unique ear canal in the concave-eared torrent frog allows it to detect and produce ultrasounds, a skill also seen in dolphins and bats. This discovery may lead to new strategies for humans to hear in noisy environments.
A new mutation, R245X, has been identified as a significant cause of USH1 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Early diagnosis through molecular screening can lead to earlier intervention, including cochlear implants and ophthalmologic evaluations, improving the quality of life for affected children.