Understanding how the brain combines smell information from both nostrils
Official title: Cellular and functional heterogeneity of interhemispheric connections in the anterior olfactory nucleus
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11146894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains work together to smell things from each nostril separately, which could help us understand how we recognize scents and interact socially.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,983 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022138-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing olfactory processing issues or those interested in the neurological aspects of smell.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in olfactory function or those with non-neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain processes and integrates olfactory information received from each nostril, which operate independently. By focusing on the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), the study aims to identify the specific cell types involved in connecting the two hemispheres of the brain for olfactory processing. Using advanced viral tracing techniques, the research will visualize and assess the density of interhemispheric connections in the AON, which is crucial for understanding olfactory-dependent behaviors and social interactions. This work could provide insights into how the brain achieves perceptual unity from separate sensory inputs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of olfactory processing and potentially lead to new treatments for olfactory dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have successfully explored interhemispheric connections in other sensory modalities.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman, Leannah Nicole — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Newman, Leannah Nicole
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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.