Development of an olfactory implant for non-recovered anosmics
The project addresses the persistent problem of permanent loss of sense of smell, known as anosmia. By combining cutting-edge technology with an in-depth understanding of olfactory neuroscience, the study is laying the foundations for a solution to this problem, which affects millions of people around the world. This four-year project is the first step towards restoring this vital sense.
The aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of olfactory implants by combining sensor technology with brain stimulation, enabling odors to be detected in the absence of a functional sense of smell. The device will initially be tested on animal models. By laying these foundations, the study paves the way for future development towards a reliable and effective treatment option for the millions of people currently faced with loss of smell.
By sponsoring this new study in favor of the sense of smell, the Per Fumum Endowment Fund is working alongside researchers to help reduce anosmia.
Neuroscientist, Director of Research at CNRS and Univ. Paris Cité
Claire MARTIN
Claire Martin is Director of Research at the CNRS and conducts her research in the Functional and Adaptive Biology Unit (UMR 8251 CNRS - Université Paris Cité). Her work aims to understand how the brain processes and represents odors in different contexts, and in particular the interactions between olfaction and food intake. She is a member of the board of directors of the association Anosmie.org.
Researcher
Federica GENOVESE
Federica Genovese obtained her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Heidelberg, where she investigated possible mechanisms of interaction between the trigeminal and olfactory systems in the olfactory bulb. She continued her research into the modulatory role of the trigeminal system on olfaction at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia (USA), one of the world's leading institutes for research into smell and taste. She is currently working in the Functional and Adaptive Biology Unit (UMR 8251 CNRS - Université Paris Cité) on the chemosensory functions of the trigeminal system and its contribution to odor intensity encoding.
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