Electrophysiological Representations of Odor in the Human Brain Study 1

Launched by NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · Jan 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Electrophysiological Representations of Odor in the Human Brain Study is a research trial that aims to understand how our brains perceive the intensity of different smells. Scientists are particularly interested in a part of the brain called the piriform cortex, which plays a key role in processing odors. The study will include two main experiments that look at how we experience smell intensity, independent of how strong the actual smell is. By using different methods to test this, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how our brains represent the strength of smells.

If you are between the ages of 12 and 65, speak English, and are undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy that hasn’t responded to other treatments, you may be eligible to participate. However, if you have a history of problems with your sense of smell or taste, you won't be able to take part. Participants can expect to engage in experiments that measure their responses to various odors while researchers closely monitor brain activity. This study could provide valuable insights into how we experience and perceive smells, which may help improve treatments for smell-related issues in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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