New findings on human speech recognition
Increased activity of the ventromedial geniculate body indicates the processing of auditory information begins before the auditory pathways reach the cerebral cortex.... Read More...
auditory cortex
Brain-computer interfacing technology uses music to make people happy
A new brain-machine interface technology can enhance emotional interaction with music. ... Read More...
Reducing brain inflammation could treat tinnitus and other hearing loss-related disorders
Rodent study reveals noise-induced hearing loss is associated with elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines and microglia activation in the primary auditory cortex. Pharmacologically depleting microglia helps prevent tinnitus in mice with noise-induced hearing loss.... Read More...
Our brains appear uniquely tuned for musical pitch
Study of macaque monkeys reveals speech and music may have shaped the human brain's auditory networks. Researchers found specific areas of the human brain have a stronger preference for pitch than that of primates, raising the possibility certain sounds, which are embedded in music and speech, may have shaped the organization of our brains.... Read More...
Study illuminates the brain’s inner workings
Study explores how large scale patterns of brain activity can vary between cognitive systems, and across people.... Read More...
Brain region discovered that only processes spoken, not written words
A small, preliminary study helps researchers identify a region of the brain that specializes in the processing of auditory words.... Read More...
How our body ‘listens’ to vibrations
Neurons in the somatosensory cortex encode vibration frequency in a similar manner to the way in which sound pitch is encoded in the auditory cortex. ... Read More...
Brain Wave Stimulation May Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Multisensory gamma wave stimulation improves recognition and spatial memory, in addition to reducing amyloid in the auditory cortex and hippocampal CA1 areas of mice. Findings suggest such sensory stimulation boosts hippocampal function and reduces Alzheimer's linked pathologies throughout the neocortex.... Read More...
Diving Deeper Into Developmental Dyslexia
A new study reveals men with dyslexia have altered structural connections between the thalamus and auditory cortex on the left side of the brain.... Read More...
Your Brain on Imagination: It’s a Lot Like Reality
A new neuroimaging study reveals imagination may help people with fear or anxiety disorders overcome them. The study reports imagining a threat can alter the way it is represented in the brain.... Read More...
Music Improves Social Communication in Children with ASD
A new study reports children on the autism spectrum who participate in musical activities have significantly improved social communication skills than those who are not exposed to music therapy.... Read More...
New Insight Into Aging
Researchers report plasticity is dysregulated in older brains, but increasing levels of GABA can induce longer lasting changes in the auditory cortex. ... Read More...