Using holographic techniques to understand how memories related to smells are formed in the brain.
Official title: Employing holographic stimulation to probe the cellular basis of the engram for odor epochs.
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11070789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains remember and recognize smells by observing mice as they learn to complete tasks using their sense of smell, which could help us understand memory better, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,659 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022171-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of memory impairment or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with significant cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain encodes and retrieves memories associated with smells, focusing on the hippocampus, a critical area for memory processing. By using advanced holographic stimulation techniques, the study aims to explore how specific brain cells respond during tasks that require decision-making based on olfactory cues. The research involves training mice to perform complex tasks that rely on their sense of smell, allowing scientists to observe the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in memory formation and retrieval. This approach could provide insights into how memory functions in both healthy and diseased states, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory function and developing treatments for memory-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar techniques to investigate memory processes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinke, Kira a — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Steinke, Kira a
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.