Understanding how animals track odors to make decisions
Odor trail tracking: a new paradigm to unveil algorithms and neural circuits underlying active sensation and continuous decision making
This study looks at how mice use their sense of smell to follow scents and make choices, helping us understand the brain processes behind how animals navigate their environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10524245 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how animals, particularly mice, use their sense of smell to follow odor trails and make decisions in real-time. By observing natural behaviors in a controlled laboratory setting, the researchers aim to uncover the neural circuits and algorithms that guide this complex process. The study employs a combination of behavioral observations, physiological measurements, and molecular techniques to explore how sensory information is integrated with prior knowledge during decision-making. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of active sensation and spatial navigation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with conditions that impair sensory processing or decision-making abilities.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory processing or decision-making may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing and decision-making, potentially leading to new treatments for brain disorders affecting these functions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding sensory processing through similar behavioral approaches, indicating that this methodology is promising.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murthy, Venkatesh N — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Murthy, Venkatesh N
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.