How the brain processes smells and behaviors together
Official title: Convergence of behavioral and sensory information in olfactory cortex
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10986719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the part of the brain that processes smells works together with the actions of mice, to see how their behaviors can change how they respond to different scents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $380,376 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021540-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986719 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 disorders or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no olfactory function or those not experiencing any sensory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's olfactory cortex integrates sensory information from smells with behavioral responses. By using advanced techniques like two-photon microscopy, the study aims to understand how the activity of neurons in the olfactory cortex changes based on the behaviors of mice. The researchers will monitor both the neural activity and the behaviors of the mice to see how they influence each other, particularly focusing on how behaviors can help filter sensory information. This approach could provide insights into the complex interactions between sensory perception and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing and lead to better treatments for conditions related to olfactory dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of sensory and behavioral data is a growing field, this specific approach using two-photon microscopy in the olfactory cortex is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleischmann, Alexander — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Fleischmann, Alexander
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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.