Our results demonstrate the utility of using 3D cell shape features to characterize, compare, and classify cells in a living, developing organism.
Mathematical Analysis of Zebrafish Cell Shape Shows Connection With Cell Function
Combination of Four Genes May Help Regrow New Auditory Hair Cells in Mammals
Two months after treatment, we saw that some GAPS-treated guinea pigs had a statistically significant increase in new hair cell-like cells compared with controls. Future steps will be to investigate the origin as well as the function of these hair cell-like cells.
An Essential Signaling Cascade for Hair Cell Regeneration in Birds
This work provides a new starting point to investigate the natural triggers of hair cell regeneration in birds. We also identified novel genes that drive hair cell regeneration in the chicken inner ear. These novel genes will be key for investigating their potential role in triggering a change in supporting cells in mammals, in the damaged mouse or human cochlea.
Recruiting for a Gene Therapy Trial
Right now we are actively recruiting volunteers with hearing loss to participate in an outpatient research study to understand the genes that cause non-syndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss (DFNA).
Our Impact This Year, Thanks to You
Loss of Auditory Nerve Fibers Uncovered in Individuals With Tinnitus
A new study from Mass Eye and Ear investigators shows that individuals who report tinnitus are experiencing auditory nerve loss that is not picked up by conventional hearing tests, known as cochlear synaptopathy, which is commonly referred to as “hidden hearing loss.”
Lo Que He Aprendido de Mis Pacientes con Hiperacusia
Los pacientes con hiperacusia dolorosa no están sobreprotegiendo sus oídos. Ellos están tratando de sobrevivir. El sonido en realidad activa los receptores del dolor, y eso puede provocar reacciones catastróficas. Sin una suficiente protección, ellos pueden fácilmente empeorar.
What I Have Learned From My Hyperacusis Patients
Pain hyperacusis patients are not overprotecting their ears. They are trying to survive. Sound is actually activating pain receptors, and it can cause catastrophic reactions. As an audiologist, I now know it’s wrong to tell pain hyperacusis patients to stop wearing earplugs or earmuffs or to initiate sound therapy.
Recent Research From ERG Alumni
The effect an Emerging Research Grant has on the hearing and balance fields is evident by the discoveries our funded researchers continue to make. Here are recent highlights by ERG alumni, each getting a boost at the start of their career with a grant from HHF.
Emerging Research Grants: Call for Applications
The ERG program is a competitive process that awards grants to only the most promising investigators. Recipients are exceptionally well-positioned to win funding from major federal funders, with every $1 invested in ERG leading to an average of $56 in future funding.