How the sense of smell adapts to different environments
Official title: Transcriptional adaptation and sensory function in the olfactory system
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11048635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny cells in your nose that help you smell adapt to different scents over time, so we can better understand how they help you pick out important smells from all the other odors around you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 8, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $564,134 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021669-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing olfactory dysfunction or those interested in the biological mechanisms of sensory perception.
✕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 olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), which are responsible for detecting odors, adapt to various environmental stimuli over different timescales. By utilizing advanced single-cell sequencing techniques, the study aims to understand the transcriptional changes in OSNs that occur in response to odors and how these changes help distinguish important smells from background noise. The research focuses on the mechanisms that allow these neurons to adjust their sensitivity based on the surrounding environment, which is crucial for effective smell perception.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of sensory processing, potentially benefiting patients with olfactory dysfunction or related sensory disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding sensory adaptation mechanisms, making this approach promising yet still exploring novel aspects of olfactory function.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Datta, Sandeep R — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Datta, Sandeep R
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.