How the brain categorizes different smells based on experience
Official title: Mechanisms of experience-dependent odor categorization in the olfactory cortex
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11066716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how our brains sort and understand different smells, like lemon and lime, to help us learn more about how we recognize and react to different odors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,203 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022470-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with olfactory processing issues or those interested in sensory perception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in olfactory function or those with conditions unrelated to sensory processing may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain organizes and categorizes different odors, such as lemon and lime, into perceptual classes. It focuses on the olfactory cortex, where neural activity patterns help determine how we perceive and respond to various smells. By studying the relationships between odors and how they change with learning and experience, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of odor categorization. The approach includes using advanced techniques like electrophysiology to observe neural responses in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing and potentially lead to new treatments for olfactory disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory categorization, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'alessandro, Isabel — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: D'alessandro, Isabel
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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.