Multiple odors prompt the neural activity in the brain that allows us to correctly identify the stimulus, say researchers. Barani Raman, of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis, conducted the research on locusts, as they have a relatively simple sensory system ideal for studying brain activity.
The team used a computer-controlled pneumatic pump to administer an odor puff to the locust, which has olfactory receptor neurons in its antennae, similar to sensory neurons in our nose.
Smell and Taste Disorders
Detailed medical history and physical examination can help to diagnose taste and smell impairment in a person.
Advertisement
A few seconds after the odor puff is given, the locust gets a piece of grass as a reward, as a form of Pavlovian conditioning. As with Pavlov's dog, which salivated when it heard a bell ring, trained locusts anticipate the reward when the odor used for training is delivered.
Instead of salivating, they open their palps, or finger-like projections close to the mouthparts, when they predict the reward. Their response was less than half of a second. The locusts could recognize the trained odors even when another odor meant to distract them was introduced prior to the target cue.
![Famous Sauce Supply Threatened by US Spicy Smell Row]( "Famous Sauce Supply Threatened by US Spicy Smell Row")
Even as a judge mulls a legal challenge, a row over spicy smells wafting from a US food factory is threatening to halt production of popular Sriracha chili sauces.
"There is a precursory cue that could tell the brain there is a predator in the environment, and it has to predict what will happen next. We want to determine what kinds of computations have to be done to make those predictions," Raman said.
The study was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Source: ANI
Famous Sauce Supply Threatened by US Spicy Smell Row
Even as a judge mulls a legal challenge, a row over spicy smells wafting from a US food factory is threatening to halt production of popular Sriracha chili sauces.
Advertisement
"There is a precursory cue that could tell the brain there is a predator in the environment, and it has to predict what will happen next. We want to determine what kinds of computations have to be done to make those predictions," Raman said.
The study was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Source: ANI
Smell Coffee, Mint and Apple Whenever You Get New Email on Your Smartphone
A plug-in accessory with a customizable LED light is being developed by researchers, that emits smells from coconut to curry when you get a new email or Facebook message.
Advertisement
Using Smell to Detect Avian Influenza VirusThe way in which diseases can modify animal odors in subtle ways has been highlighted in new research. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
New study sheds light on the intrinsic, yet often overlooked, role of sleep preparation as a hardwired survival strategy.
Microgravity-induced bone loss in space, can be reduced by systemic delivery of NELL-1, a protein required for bone growth and its maintenance.
Researchers establish connections between Alzheimer's-linked genetic alterations and the functioning of brain cells.
Team at NeuroRestore introduces a groundbreaking gene therapy that has effectively promoted nerve regrowth and reconnection, post spinal cord injury.
Scientists aim to pinpoint particular functional pathways affected by these bacteria that may have an impact on skeletal health.
