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.
Women with postpartum depression report normal olfactory sensitivity, while those who are genetically predisposed to major depressive disorder have decreased olfactory sensitivity.
Following injury or damage, insulin plays a key role in the maturation and regeneration of immature olfactory sensory neurons.
People with a poor sense of smell are 50% more likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia than those with a good sense of smell.
A study of hungry mice sheds new light on the neurobiology of olfaction and food attraction. Researchers identified a pathway that promotes attraction to food odors over other olfactory cues.
Olfactory imprinting in infant mice has a direct impact on their social behaviors as adults.
Study reveals how innate valence is encoded in the nervous system of mice.
Researchers discovered unique connectivity between the hippocampus and olfactory areas in the brain, a finding which explains why specific odors can trigger powerful memories. The study also reports a loss of sense of smell is associated with depression and a poorer quality of life.
Regions of the olfactory system in mice with higher amyloid beta expression exhibited lower activation of olfactory sensory neurons and decreased odor detection.
51% of COVID-19 patients report they experienced the loss of smell and taste up to five months after infection. On average, once their senses were restored, people reported a loss in sensitivity to smell and taste.
