A new, phone-based olfactory aid to help adults quit smoking
Official title: An Innovative Digitally-Delivered Olfactory Method for Reducing Cigarette Cravings and Supporting Smoking Cessation
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11404970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A smartphone-based program will combine a guided olfactory cue with a popular quit-smoking app to help adults reduce cravings and support cessation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $281,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA286803-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older who are current smokers and willing to use a smartphone-based cessation app.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not use smartphones or are unable to use olfactory cues may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a digital, biobehavioral approach for smoking cessation by pairing strategic smell cues with a smartphone app. Participants will use the olfactory intervention in real-life settings to see if cravings decrease and quitting success improves. The study will refine the OS delivery method and evaluate how well it works when integrated with an existing quit-smoking app. Results will inform whether this combined approach could be tested in a larger trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a new, accessible tool to help people quit smoking.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that olfactory cues can reduce craving, but this specific combined digital-delivery approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garey, Lorra — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Garey, Lorra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This grant looks at how daily social stress affects if and when disadvantaged young adults who smoke can quit and stay quit.
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Integrated approach to lung screening and quitting for African Americans
A multi-level program aims to boost LDCT lung cancer screening uptake and help African American smokers quit, with support from a comprehensive community-focused plan.
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Peer-led smoking-cessation program for public housing residents
A peer-led program with eight group sessions plus nicotine replacement therapy is tested on adults living in public housing to help them quit smoking.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.