How taste preferences develop after weaning.
Cortical mechanisms for the postnatal development of taste preference.
['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11086081
This study looks at how young animals learn to enjoy different foods as they grow up, focusing on how their early experiences with tastes shape what they like to eat later on, which could help us understand how our own food preferences develop.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11086081 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how animals transition from relying on their mother's milk to foraging for food, focusing on how early experiences with different tastes shape their preferences later in life. It examines the role of the gustatory cortex, which processes taste information and is crucial for taste-related behaviors. By studying the maturation of neural circuits in the gustatory cortex, the research aims to understand how taste preferences develop during a sensitive period in early life. This could provide insights into the factors that influence dietary choices and preferences as individuals grow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include adolescents and young adults who are in the process of developing their taste preferences.
Not a fit: Patients who are older adults or those with established taste preferences may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify ways to influence healthy eating habits and dietary preferences from a young age.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding sensory processing and plasticity in other sensory systems, suggesting potential for similar findings in taste preference development.
Where this research is happening
STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES
- STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK — STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAFFEI, ARIANNA — STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- Study coordinator: MAFFEI, ARIANNA
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 below.