Hearing Archives

Usher syndrome: Recent advances in our understanding of genes and therapeutics

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Dr Aziz El-Amraoui and Dr Gwenaelle Geleoc research Usher syndrome, a genetic mutation in the USH1, USH2 and USH3 genes that causes hearing loss and vision loss.

Usher syndrome is a rare disease that affects the sensory systems of vision, hearing, and balance. Recent advances in scientific technologies reveal the genes involved in Usher syndrome, their varying phenotypic outcomes, and avenues for therapeutic development. Dr Aziz El-Amraoui of the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, and Dr Gwenaelle Géléoc of Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in […]

Acoustic waves to brain signals: Identifying the gating spring

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The inner workings of our ears have been well understood for some time, but there is still significant debate among researchers over how acoustic vibrations are converted into electrical brain signals. In his research, Dr Jim Hudspeth at The Rockefeller University sheds new light on the discussion, by studying the proteins which connect tiny vibrating hairs in the inner ear with […]

From ears to engineering

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a research article about Prof Windmill’s research focuses on the investigation of hearing systems in insects to inspire the development of new acoustic and ultrasonic sensors and systems. He is also interested in sustainable engineering through the process of remanufacturing, the development of new biomedical sensors, and the use of ultrasound in manufacturing.

Sometimes the solutions to engineering questions have already been answered – by animals! Rather than ‘reinvent the wheel,’ therefore, Professor James Windmill and his lab team at the University of Strathclyde choose to learn from some of the remarkable feats of engineering found in the natural world. In particular, his research focuses on using ideas from insect hearing to develop […]