Understanding how the vomeronasal organ affects behavior in mice.
Official title: Decoding vomeronasal activity through awake, behaving AOB imaging.
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11042832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a special part of the nose in mice helps them interact with each other and respond to social signals, which might teach us more about our own senses and how we can improve them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $723,194 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021238-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with social communication disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social communication challenges or related neurological conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in mice and its impact on social behavior. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will observe the activity of the VNO in awake, behaving mice to uncover how it influences their interactions and responses to social cues. The study aims to identify specific neurons and brain circuits involved in these behaviors, which could provide insights into similar mechanisms in humans. This research could help us understand whether humans have lost important sensory capabilities and how we might enhance our own sensory experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into human social behavior and potential therapeutic approaches for social communication disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding sensory systems in animals can lead to significant advancements in our knowledge of human behavior, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowers, Lisa — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Stowers, Lisa
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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.