Investigating how the brain represents odor intensity
Electrophysiological Representations of Odor in the Human Brain Study 1
This study is trying to understand how our brains recognize the strength of different smells and how that differs from their actual concentration.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06769464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores how the human brain encodes the intensity of odors, focusing on the piriform cortex. It aims to differentiate between the physical concentration of an odor and the perceived intensity by conducting two experiments. The first experiment will match perceived intensities across different concentrations, while the second will manipulate perceived intensity using adaptation techniques. By employing these complementary approaches, the study seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying olfactory perception.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals aged 12 to 65 who are undergoing brain surgery for medically intractable epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of smell or taste problems may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of olfactory processing and lead to improved treatments for smell-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the study employs novel approaches, similar investigations into olfactory perception have shown promising results in animal models, indicating potential for success in human studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 12 to 65, english speaker, patients undergoing brain surgery for treatment of medically intractable epilepsy Exclusion Criteria: * screening for history of smell or taste problems
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: christina zelano — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Naelly Arriaga, MPH
- Email: zelanolab@gmail.com
- Phone: 312-503-7244
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.