Understanding how the brain processes smells
Official title: Dynamics of Olfactory Processing: Segmentation in the Piriform Cortex
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11105674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain that helps us smell works, using awake mice to see how they process different scents while breathing, and it could help us understand and improve treatments for smell-related issues in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $502,742 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022619-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing olfactory dysfunction, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact olfactory function or those not affected by neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the piriform cortex, a part of the brain responsible for processing smells, encodes and represents olfactory information. By using advanced techniques to record from neurons in awake mice and stimulating the olfactory bulb, the study aims to uncover how the brain segments olfactory signals during breathing. This could provide insights into how sensory processing works and how it may be affected in neurological disorders. The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions that impair the sense of smell, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sensory processing and lead to improved treatments for neurological disorders affecting smell.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory processing in the brain, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franks, Kevin — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Franks, Kevin
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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.