RESEARCH
Endogenous and Exogenous Modulation of Hearing
From fish to birds to people, hormones can affect hearing.
We study how hormones impact hearing in plainfin midshipman fish, a species where hearing is critical for reproductive success. During the breeding season, nesting male midshipman fish “hum” to attract females. Interestingly, hearing in female midshipman is more sensitive during the breeding season and this seasonal plasticity can be induced with exogenous estrogen exposure.
We use molecular and cellular techniques to explore questions in this system.
Current Research Questions
What are the cellular mechanisms of seasonal auditory plasticity in female midshipman fish?
How are changes in gene expression correlated with morphological and physiological plasticity?
You can learn more about the midshipman work in our Frontiers for Young Minds publication!
Just like endogenous hormones can impact hearing, exogenous substances can also affect the auditory system. Our past work asks how aquatic toxicants such as BPA and stormwater runoff can damage hair cells in zebrafish and salmon.
This work has implications for fishes and other aquatic organisms, as well as for humans that interact with these environmental pollutants. While we do not have current projects in this area, we are open to collaborations!
Collaborators
Dr. Joe Sisneros, University of Washington
Dr. Jennifer Stone, University of Washington
Dr. Loranzie Rogers, Harvard University
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS
