How temperature affects food preferences and behaviors

Temperature and thermogustatory preferences

NIH-funded research University of Oklahoma · NIH-10880615

This study looks at how temperature affects what we like to eat and how we choose our food, using mice to help us understand more about human eating habits, which could be helpful for people with eating disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Norman, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880615 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of temperature in influencing food selection and preferences in humans, focusing on how thermal sensations interact with taste and smell. By using specially designed equipment, researchers will study how temperature affects the licking behavior of mice, which can provide insights into human eating behaviors. The study aims to fill significant gaps in our understanding of how temperature impacts our food choices and preferences. The findings could lead to better understanding of eating disorders and appetite regulation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting appetite and food preferences, such as anorexia nervosa or alcohol dependence.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to appetite or food preferences may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of food preferences, potentially leading to improved treatments for conditions like anorexia nervosa and alcohol dependence.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on temperature's role in food preferences is relatively novel, related research has shown success in understanding sensory influences on eating behaviors.

Where this research is happening

Norman, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.