The Perkel lab studies multiple questions surrounding the neural mechanisms underlying imitative vocal learning communication and bipedal balance, primarily in songbirds. These are traits that distinguish humans from other mammals, and that are widely found in birds.

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Songbirds learn their songs from other individuals in a manner similar to human speech learning. A set of brain circuits is devoted to this process and we are interested in how neurons and their synaptic connections contribute. In addition, in many songbird species, this circuit changes seasonally, with portions showing substantial regeneration each spring, allowing production of high-quality song during the breeding season. With Eliot Brenowitz, we are interested in the molecular, cellular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the regeneration of the projection from forebrain song nucleus HVC to its target RA.

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Birds also excel at bipedal balance. Awake or asleep, they can stay upright on two feet, even on moving branches. How do they integrate visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information to accomplish this task in a seemingly effortless way? We are using behavioral assays and manipulations of visual and vestibular systems to study how this information is integrated. In addition, in collaboration with Bing Brunton’s lab, we are exploring a specialization in the avian lumbosacral spinal cord that is hypothesized to serve as a balance organ.

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We combine tools from neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, computational biology and behavior to address questions of proximate mechanism and evolutionary origin of both song and balance.