Anja T. Zai

Vib2Sound: Separation of Multimodal Sound Sources

This paper introduces a neural network system for separating overlapping vocalizations using multi-channel microphone and accelerometer data from zebra finches.

Estimating the motor exploration in reinforcement learning

The paper estimates motor exploration strategies in songbirds using a reinforcement learning framework and finds that non-ideal variability aligns with suboptimal learning trajectories.

Visually-guided compensation of deafening-induced song deterioration

This study shows that deafened songbirds can maintain song stability using visual cues, as demonstrated by a new metric and behavioral task.

Familiarity of an environment prevents song suppression in isolated zebra finches

This study finds that social isolation in a familiar environment does not suppress singing in zebra finches, unlike isolation in an unfamiliar environment.

Goal-directed vocal planning in a songbird

This study shows zebra finches can plan vocal changes to recover a target song without immediate sensory experience.

Sensory substitution reveals a manipulation bias

This study uses sensory substitution in deaf songbirds to show that visual feedback can drive vocal learning and reveal a bias for actions that provide feedback.

Welfare of zebra finches used in research

The paper reviews manipulations in zebra finch research and assesses their impact on animal welfare, identifying singing rate as a potential welfare indicator.