How the brain processes taste information
Official title: Thalmocortical interactions in taste perception
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-11037745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different parts of the brain work together to help us taste food and make choices about what we eat, and it's designed for anyone curious about how our brains influence our eating habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $413,123 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC022381-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in the neurological aspects of taste and eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in taste perception or those not affected by eating-related disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different areas of the brain interact to process taste signals and influence decisions about food consumption. By studying the connections between the thalamus and other brain regions, the research aims to understand the neural mechanisms behind taste perception and behavioral responses. The approach involves recording brain activity in awake animals as they taste various substances, providing insights into the complex dynamics of taste processing. This work could help clarify how sensory information is integrated and how it affects eating behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of taste perception, which may inform treatments for eating disorders or obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding brain interactions related to sensory processing, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Hooser, Stephen D — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Van Hooser, Stephen D
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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.