 The song control nucleus, HVC, of songbirds has been widely used as a model system for studying adult neurogenesis and the factors that regulate its incorporation of new neurons. However, the precise function of these newly generated neurons remains unclear. To address this issue, researchers developed a novel method using X-ray irradiation to deplete neural progenitor cells in the ventricular zone adjacent to HVC. This resulted in a significant reduction in the number of double caught in positive neurons, which are markers of neurogenesis. Additionally, the researchers observed a decrease in the variability of testosterone-induced songs in female birds and a decrease in the expression of the immediate early genes EDNK in secondary auditory areas of the telencephalon. Taken together, these results suggest that newly generated neurons in HVC play a role in both song production and perception, and that X-ray irradiation can be used to further investigate the role of adult neurogenesis in songbirds. This article was authored by Yoana Chiva, Etnape Dos Santos, Shelley Vale, and others. We are article.tv, links in the description below.