How early interactions with caregivers shape infant smell recognition
Official title: Tuning of infant olfactory circuits by early life interactions with caregivers
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10997129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how babies, like tadpoles, use their sense of smell to recognize their caregivers, helping us understand how these early connections shape their brains and behaviors, which could also help us learn more about social challenges in development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD116519-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children, particularly those at risk for developmental disorders like autism or fragile X syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not have developmental disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how infants use smell to recognize their caregivers, which is crucial for their survival. By studying the olfactory circuits in the brains of neonatal vertebrates, specifically translucent tadpoles, the researchers aim to understand the neural mechanisms that link caregiver odors to social behaviors. The study employs advanced imaging techniques to observe brain activity in response to olfactory cues, providing insights into how early life interactions influence brain development and behavior. This research could have implications for understanding developmental disorders that affect social recognition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how early caregiver interactions influence brain development and social behavior in infants, potentially informing interventions for developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the role of olfactory cues in social recognition, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akbari, Najva — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Akbari, Najva
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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.