Scientists have revealed, for the first time and in near-atomic detail, the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing.For the first time and in near-atomic detail, scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing.
“The auditory neuroscience field has been waiting for these results for decades, and now that they are right here — we are ecstatic.” —Revealed in the study is the detailed architecture of the inner ear complex that converts vibrations into electrical impulses that the brain translates as sound. Known as mechanosensory transduction, the process is responsible for the sensations of balance and sound.harbors a mechanosensory complex very similar to that of humans.
The finding is an extraordinary achievement, said one leading neuroscience researcher at OHSU who was not directly involved in the research.