The mechanisms behind olfaction may be far simpler than previously believed, researchers speculate.
Inhibition of the OR5B21 olfactory receptor gene significantly decreased the metastasis of breast cancer cells to the brain, lungs, and bones, researchers report.
Neurons in the primary olfactory cortex play a role in encoding spatial maps, a new study reports.
Hexadecanal, a molecule excreted by humans, found in abundance on the scalps of babies, sparks behavioral changes in adults who are exposed to it. In women, the molecule decreases connectivity in parts of the brain associated with social decision making, but increases connectivity in males.
Female mice exposed to PBDEs, a type of flame-retardant found on everyday household items, pass on the chemicals to their developing offspring. In female offspring, this can cause alterations in social memories and behaviors which are reminiscent of human compulsive behaviors associated with autism.
Study reveals dopamine neurons that play a role in learning and memory also drive motivation.
A majority of Parkinson's patients report a diminished sense of smell, which starts to occur a number of years before the onset of other symptoms. Researchers are exploring whether scent-processing neurons which connect the nose to the brain may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.
A new machine-learning algorithm is able to teach itself to smell within a few minutes of training. As it learns, the system builds an artificial network that mimics the brain's olfactory system.
Study reveals how the drosophila brain subconsciously processes salient information, such as odors, that require interpretation while asleep.
Dopamine-controlled fan cells in the lateral entorhinal cortex are required for the formation of associative memories.
The olfactory system works in combination with the brain's reward and aversion systems in both learning and memory formation.
The habenula relays external information, such as sight and smell, along with internal states associated with emotion and learning to brain regions that govern adaptive behaviors.
