Investigating how mice remember odor concentration while navigating
Ethologically relevant short term memory in the olfactory bulb
This study is looking at how mice remember different smells and how that affects the way they move around, using special tools to see how their brains respond to different scents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how short-term memory related to odor concentration influences navigation behavior in mice. By using a specially designed system that allows for precise control of odor concentration, researchers will study how mice remember and respond to these changes during their sniffing cycles. The study employs advanced techniques such as electrophysiology and 2-photon imaging to analyze neuronal responses and behavior in both head-fixed and freely moving mice. The goal is to understand the cellular mechanisms behind this memory and how it affects natural movement and decision-making in an olfactory context.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with conditions affecting memory or cognitive function.
Not a fit: Patients with no cognitive impairments or those not affected by memory-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of memory processes and their implications for navigation and decision-making in animals, potentially informing treatments for memory-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While this research builds on existing knowledge of olfactory memory, the specific approach of using head-fixed and natural navigation assays represents a novel exploration in this field.
Where this research is happening
Eugene, United States
- University of Oregon — Eugene, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smear, Matthew C — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Smear, Matthew C
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 below.