Investigating how the brain represents odor intensity
Official title: Electrophysiological Representations of Odor in the Human Brain Study 1
Run by Northwestern University · NCT06769464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06769464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals aged 12 to 65 who are undergoing brain surgery for medically intractable epilepsy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of smell or taste problems may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.