Understanding how the brain controls sniffing and breathing patterns
Official title: Sniff-controlling Circuitry in the Parabrachial Nucleus
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10995477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a specific part of the brain helps control sniffing and breathing in animals, which could help us understand problems with smell and breathing that some people experience.
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 | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,918 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022154-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with olfactory disorders or respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any olfactory or respiratory conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that control sniffing and breathing in mammals, focusing on the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) in the brain. By studying how the PBN integrates various signals to modulate breathing patterns, the research aims to uncover the dynamics of sniffing behavior, which is crucial for olfactory perception. The approach involves using animal models to observe and manipulate brain activity related to sniffing, providing insights into how these processes are regulated in real-time. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of olfactory dysfunctions and related respiratory issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions affecting smell and breathing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding neural control of breathing, making this approach promising yet still exploring novel aspects of sniffing behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearl, Jonah Eli — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Pearl, Jonah Eli
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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.