Sensitive period for sensorimotor learning: behavioral neurophysiology of bird song acquisition

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23K21848
• Project/Area Number (Other): 21H03781 (2021-2023)
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund (2024); Single-year Grants (2021-2023)
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90030:Cognitive science-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (2023-2024); The University of Tokyo (2021-2022)
• Principal Investigator: Tachibana Ryosuke 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 情報・人間工学領域, 主任研究員 (50610929)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: 発声学習 / 敏感期 / 可塑性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the mechanisms that regulate sensitive periods of sensorimotor learning, which is the ability to modify motor output based on sensory feedback, using song learning system in songbirds as a model. Juvenile birds were raised in continuous lound noise to prevent them from hearing their own vocalizations. When returned to a quiet environment, song learning, which would normally have been completed at that time, resumed and resulted in successful song acquisition. Detailed acoustic analyses revealed that the typical two-month learning process was compressed: target song elements emerged rapidly within approximately two weeks, with reduced variability and increased sequence complexity. These changes were likely accompanied by alterations in neural activity and circulating hormone levels. We also developed software to automatically analyze song development, providing a foundation for future research.

Free Research Field

研究分野

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで感覚学習の研究が中心だった敏感期の議論を感覚運動学習へと拡張し、その操作可能性を示した。このことは、脳の可塑性研究を運動制御領域まで広げることで、言語発達や楽器演奏などの学習を神経メカニズムから説明する新しい枠組みを提供しうる。また、敏感期のタイミングとその延長可能性を示したことで、子どもの言語・音楽教育やスポーツ・リハビリのトレーニング開始時期を科学的に設計できる可能性につながった。