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Rapid smell source localization: Mechanism discovered

Date:
May 22, 2017
Source:
VIB - Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology
Summary:
Fundamental insights into the mechanism of smell localization have now been gained by researchers. This marks an important step in unraveling the entire neural odor localization mechanism, which is highly valuable to the study of memory diseases such as Alzheimer's. The team used mice for the experiment, which are smell identification champions. Using a novel non-invasive technique based on infrared technology, they revealed that localizing odors is achieved by comparing information gathered from the left and right nostril.
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Scientists at NERF (VIB-KU Leuven-imec) have provided fundamental insights into the mechanism of smell localization. This marks an important step in unraveling the entire neural odor localization mechanism, which is highly valuable to the study of memory diseases such as Alzheimer's. The team, led by Prof. Sebastian Haesler, used mice for the experiment, which are smell identification champions. Using a novel non-invasive technique based on infrared technology, they revealed that localizing odors is achieved by comparing information gathered from the left and right nostril. The study is published in the scientific journal Current Biology.

Most mammals can easily and rapidly pinpoint where a smell is coming from. However, the neural mechanism behind this seemingly straightforward task is still a big question in biology. To address this open question, a research team at NERF (Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, a joint initiative by VIB, KU Leuven and imec) set up an experiment using mice.

Interhemispheric information transfer

First, the team led by Prof. Haesler developed a novel method to measure respiration dynamics. Contrary to current standard methods, the new technique, which involves the use of an infrared camera, is non- invasive. In this way, the NERF team discovered that mice presented with novel smells spontaneously turned their nose towards the source of the smell. And this orienting behavior was fast -- they could do it in under 100 milliseconds.

Building on this behavioral response, the team then performed experiments to explore the mechanistic principles behind odor source localization.

Prof. Sebastian Haesler (NERF): "Our data show that mice compare the strength of the smell obtained through the two nostrils for locating the direction of the odor source. This comparison involves information transfer between the two brain hemispheres. Essentially, the process is very similar to how we determine where sounds come from. We also identified the part of the brain, called the anterior olfactory cortex, that plays a key role in this process."

Valuable to Alzheimer's research

To move this research domain ahead, Prof. Haesler is currently recording neural activity between the anterior olfactory cortices in the two hemispheres, in order to reveal the exact comparison mechanism for rapid odor localization. In addition, the team has started to build on these insights in the context of Alzheimer's disease.

Prof. Sebastian Haesler (NERF): "Our mice only responded to new smells, not familiar ones. However, in the case of Alzheimer's, we expect mice to respond to familiar smells as well, because they might have forgotten them. Moreover, Alzheimer's is associated with a declining sense of smell. These aspects give us hope that our findings will contribute to a better understanding of memory-affecting diseases."

Questions from patients

A breakthrough in research is not the same as a breakthrough in medicine. The realizations of VIB researchers can form the basis of new therapies, but the development path still takes years. This can raise a lot of questions. That is why we ask you to please refer questions in your report or article to the email address that VIB makes available for this purpose: patienteninfo@vib.be. Everyone can submit questions concerning this and other medically-oriented research directly to VIB via this address.


Story Source:

Materials provided by VIB - Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. José Esquivelzeta Rabell, Kadir Mutlu, João Noutel, Pamela Martin del Olmo, Sebastian Haesler. Spontaneous Rapid Odor Source Localization Behavior Requires Interhemispheric Communication. Current Biology, 2017; 27 (10): 1542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.04.027

Cite This Page:

VIB - Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology. "Rapid smell source localization: Mechanism discovered." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 May 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170522080930.htm>.
VIB - Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology. (2017, May 22). Rapid smell source localization: Mechanism discovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170522080930.htm
VIB - Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology. "Rapid smell source localization: Mechanism discovered." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170522080930.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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