Understanding how sensory signals affect eating behavior
Official title: Harnessing sensory food circuits to influence feeding behavior
Funded at Monell Chemical Senses Center · NIH-11145320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the smells and tastes of food affect how we eat and what we like, using mice to see how their brains react to different foods, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage obesity by focusing on these sensory experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Monell Chemical Senses Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $981,000 |
| NIH project number | 4DP2AT011965-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity or those who have difficulty managing their eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to eating behaviors or weight management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sensory cues from food, such as taste and smell, influence our eating behaviors and preferences. By creating maps of neurons activated by these sensory signals, the study aims to explore how manipulating these neural circuits can change feeding behavior. The research will involve monitoring the brain activity of mice in response to food stimuli to understand individual differences in eating habits and weight gain. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover new ways to address obesity by targeting sensory pathways rather than just focusing on feelings of fullness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative strategies for managing obesity by altering how sensory signals influence eating habits.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting sensory pathways is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the relationship between sensory cues and eating behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alhadeff, Amber L — Monell Chemical Senses Center
- Study coordinator: Alhadeff, Amber L
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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.