A5016324443- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Marine animal studies overview
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Plant and animal studies
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Language and cultural evolution
- Language Development and Disorders
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Neuroscience and Music Perception
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Child and Animal Learning Development
- Birth, Development, and Health
- Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies
- Evolutionary Algorithms and Applications
- RNA Research and Splicing
- Health, Education, and Physical Culture
- Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
- Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control
- Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
- Music and Audio Processing
Freie Universität Berlin
2016-2025
Technische Universität Dresden
2018
Saint Peter's University
2018
University of London
2018
University of St Andrews
2018
Queen Mary University of London
2018
Max Planck Society
2003-2016
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics
2004-2016
Technische Universität Berlin
2016
Rockefeller University
1989-2001
Song production in song birds is controlled by an efferent pathway. Appended to this pathway a "recursive loop" that necessary for acquisition but not the of learned song. Since zebra finches learn their imitating external models, we speculated importance recursive loop learning might derive from its processing auditory feedback during acquisition. This hypothesis was tested comparing effects on deafened early life and with lesions either two nuclei--Area X lateral magnocellular nucleus...
The genome of the zebra finch — a songbird and model for study vertebrate brain, behaviour evolution has been sequenced. Its comparison with chicken genome, only other bird available, shows that genes neural function implicated in cognitive processing song have rapidly evolving lineage. also vocal communication engages much brain transcriptome identifies potential integrator microRNA signals linked to communication. studying Comparison are Moreover, brain. is an important organism several...
The gene encoding the forkhead box transcription factor, FOXP2, is essential for developing full articulatory power of human language. Mutations FOXP2 cause developmental verbal dyspraxia (DVD), a speech and language disorder that compromises fluent production words correct use comprehension grammar. patients have structural functional abnormalities in striatum basal ganglia, which also express high levels FOXP2. Since learned vocalizations songbirds bear behavioral neural parallels, provide...
Most vertebrates communicate acoustically, but few, among them humans, dolphins and whales, bats, three orders of birds, learn this trait. FOXP2 is the first gene linked to human speech has been target positive selection during recent primate evolution. To test whether expression pattern consistent with a role in learned vocal communication, we cloned zebra finch FoxP2 its close relative FoxP1 compared mRNA protein distribution developing adult brains variety avian learners non-learners,...
Abstract Background Like human infants, songbirds learn their species-specific vocalizations through imitation learning. The birdsong system has emerged as a widely used experimental animal model for understanding the underlying neural mechanisms responsible vocal production However, how impulses are translated into precise motor behavior of complex organ (syrinx) to create song is poorly understood. First and foremost, we lack detailed syringeal morphology. Results To fill this gap combined...
Songbirds have one of the most accessible neural systems for study brain mechanisms behavior. However, neuroethological studies in songbirds been limited by lack high-throughput molecular resources and gene-manipulation tools. To overcome these limitations, we constructed 21 regular, normalized, subtracted full-length cDNA libraries from brains zebra finches 57 developmental behavioral conditions an attempt to clone as much transcriptome possible. From libraries, approximately 14,000...
Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) rapidly and reliably quantifies gene expression levels across different experimental conditions. Selection of suitable reference genes is essential for meaningful normalization thus correct interpretation data. In recent years, an increasing number avian species other than the chicken has been investigated molecularly, highlighting need experimentally validated pan-avian primer set genes. Here we report testing a 14 candidate (18S, ABL, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS,...
Adult neurogenesis is a widespread phenomenon occurring in many species, including humans. The functional and therapeutic implications of this form brain plasticity are now beginning to be realized. Comparative approaches adult will yield important clues about repair. Here, we compare birds mammals. We review recent studies on the glial identity stem cells that generate new neurons, different modes migration used by newly generated neurons reach their destinations, how these systems respond...
Mutations in the gene encoding transcription factor FoxP2 impair human speech and language. We have previously shown that deficits vocal learning occur zebra finches after reduction of Area X, a striatal nucleus involved song acquisition. recently showed is expressed newly generated spiny neurons (SN) adult X as well ventricular zone (VZ) from which SN originates. Moreover, their recruitment to increases transiently during phase. The present report therefore investigated whether structural...
The singing of song birds can form complex signal systems comprised numerous subunits sung with distinct combinatorial properties that have been described as syntax-like. This complexity has inspired inquiries into similarities bird to human language; but the quantitative analysis and description sequences is a challenging task. In this study, we analysed common nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) by means network analysis. We translated long nocturnal networks types transitions connectors....
A pallial-basal-ganglia-thalamic-pallial loop in songbirds is involved vocal motor learning. Damage to its basal ganglia part, Area X, adult zebra finches has been noted have no strong effects on song and function unclear. Here we report that neurotoxic damage X induced changes singing tempo global syllable sequencing all animals, considerably increased repetition birds whose motifs ended with minor repetitions before lesioning. This stuttering-like behavior started at one month, improved...
Many mating signals consist of multimodal components that need decoding by several sensory modalities on the receiver's side. For methodological and conceptual reasons, communicative functions these are often investigated only one at a time. Likewise, variation single signal traits frequently correlated researchers with senders' quality or receivers' behavioural responses. Consequently, two classic still dominating hypotheses regarding meaning postulate different either serve as back-up...
Research on the evolution of human speech and music benefits from hypotheses data generated in a number disciplines. The purpose this article is to illustrate high relevance pinniped research for study speech, musical rhythm, their origins, bridging complementing current primates birds. We briefly discuss vocal learning, rhythm an evolutionary comparative perspective. review state art communication behavior relevant music, showing interesting parallels rhythmic early hominids. suggest future...
The molecular changes underlying neural progenitor differentiation are essentially unknown. We applied cDNA microarrays with 13,627 clones to measure dynamic gene expression during the in vitro of cells that were isolated from subventricular zone postnatal day 7 mice and grown as neurospheres. In two experimental series which we withdrew epidermal growth factor added neurotrophins Neurotrophin-4 or BDNF, four time points investigated: undifferentiated neurospheres, 24, 48, 96 hr after...