Effects of brain-derived estrogens on behaviourally relevant auditory perception and song learning (memory) in the adult songbird brain.

In this project we are interested what hormonal interactions are needed (fast neuronal and/or slow gonadal) to create the permissive circumstances for neuroplastic changes seen in seasonal breeders. We want to examine if starlings have a more 'juvenile' pattern of connectivity when they are capable of learning new songs and when they can discriminate auditory vocal signals better. We will do this by using real-time, non-invasive, in vivo imaging tools that allow the follow-up of anatomical and functional changes of the songbird brain. The study of the reactivation of juvenile-like plasticity may potentially lead to a recovery of function in a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords:NEURONAL PLASTICITY, AUDITORY PERCEPTION

Disciplines:Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing

Project type:Collaboration project