How brain circuits affect our sense of smell and related behaviors
Official title: Effect of hippocampal feedback projections on the function of the early olfactory system
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11164811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain connections help us smell and how our feelings and thoughts can change how we experience odors, which could help us understand smell-related issues better for both people and mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,460 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive impairments related to olfactory processing, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no cognitive impairments or those not affected by olfactory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural circuits that connect the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, focusing on how these connections influence our ability to perceive odors and how this relates to emotions, learning, and memory. By studying these circuits in both humans and mice, the research aims to uncover how cognitive factors, such as anxiety and environmental awareness, can alter the way we process chemical signals. The methodology involves examining the activity of specific neurons in the brain that play a crucial role in olfactory processing, which could lead to a better understanding of disorders that affect smell and related cognitive functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how olfactory processing is linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between olfactory processing and cognitive functions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Padmanabhan, Krishnan — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Padmanabhan, Krishnan
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.