What researchers know right now is that stuttering has an unknown cause, but they consider stuttering to include differences in brain activity that interfere with brain activity. Studies that are being conducted are trying to recognize early identification in stuttering; to try and see how they are different from fluent speakers. The NIDCD (National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders) have recognized variants in four different genes in some stuttering cases, including the U.S and Europe. These genes have proteins that direct traffic amongst cells, making sure that the cell components get to their proper location in the cell. Deficits in cellular tracking are a newfound case in many neurological disorders, not only stuttering. Researchers are now focusing on how the defect in cellular trafficking leads to specific speech disorders. 

Another way researchers have been focusing on conducting further knowledge about stuttering is by determining which children are most likely to outgrow their stuttering versus the ones that are not, and compare the differences in brain activity. NIDCD funded researchers are also using brain imaging to examine brain structure and changes that occur during childhood to differentiate children who stutter and those who outgrow it quickly. Similarly, they are also studying to see which groups of individuals who show similar stuttering patterns have a common gene or brain activity. 

Scientists and researchers use tools such as a PET (positron emission tomography) and functional MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) scans to investigate the brain activity in people who stutter. In conclusion, researchers have found that brain imaging is the most effective way to further investigate what stuttering is. There hasn’t been a specific and determined cause for stuttering, but everyday researchers are finding out more and more about this speech disorder.