by Kelly-Ann Mills, Daily Mirror

In this research, scientists have directly connected the mouth movements in speech to the brain regions controlling them, for the first time.

This amazing MRI scan – where a scientist can be seen lipsyncing to Adele – shows an incredible new technique aimed at helping people recovering from strokes.

In this groundbreaking research, scientists have directly connected the mouth movements in speech to the brain regions controlling them, for the first time.

Dr Carolyn McGettigan and Dr Daniel Carey have used non-invasive MRI scans to measure brain activity and movements in the mouth during speech and voice imitation.

It is hoped this technology could be used in the future to understand voice recovery such as those in rehabilitation after a stroke.
Dr McGettigan, 35, said: “In our video of a participant lip-synching to Adele you can see the soft palate at the back of the mouth flip up and down to direct the airflow through the mouth or through the nasal cavity depending on the speech sound that is being made.

Groundbreaking: For the first time scientists have studied the link between mouth movements and brain activity.

“Whilst this is going on the brain is active in perceiving the sounds that are being imitated, as well as planning and executing movements to mouth along.”

The three-year study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, is taking place at the Vocal Communication Laboratory at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Research: Dr Carolyn McGettigan from the Vocal Communication Laboratory at Royal Holloway, University of London