Understanding how smell influences social behavior in autism
Official title: Dissecting the synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying olfactory-driven social behavior
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10894945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how smells can influence social behaviors in people with autism, hoping to find new ways to help improve their social interactions and emotional responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,982 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM153720-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who may experience challenges in social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism or those who do not exhibit social behavior challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that connect olfactory (smell) cues to social behaviors, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By examining the synaptic and circuit-level interactions in the brain, the study aims to uncover how these processes affect emotional responses and social interactions. The approach includes advanced techniques such as electrophysiology to measure brain activity and behavior assessments to evaluate social responses. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving social functioning in autism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that enhance social behavior in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between sensory processing and social behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Erica J — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Erica J
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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.