About this trial
This study investigates the causal effects of low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) on odor valence perception and odor-elicited avoidance behaviors in healthy adults. Participants undergo sham and active tFUS targeting the amygdala (AMYG) and ventral striatal olfactory tubercle (VSOT) in a within-subject, randomized, sham-controlled crossover design. Outcomes include subjective odor ratings and objective neurophysiological and behavioral indices of odor valence processing. This research is exploratory and mechanistic in nature and is not intended to evaluate clinical safety or therapeutic efficacy.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Age 18-65 years
Healthy adult volunteers
Normal olfactory function (Sniffin' Sticks total TDI ≥ 30.75)
Ability to provide informed consent
Disqualifiers
MRI or tFUS contraindications (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia, pregnancy)
Sinonasal conditions affecting airflow or smell
Current use of medications that alter olfaction
Positive urine drug screen
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS)
Treatment groups
Locations
Sponsors and collaborators
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator