Transformative Non-Invasive/Minimally Invasive Technologies for Imaging the Olfactory System Across Scales (R01 CT Optional)

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), with the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) aims to support the development and/or adaptation of transformative in vivo high-resolution/high specificity imaging of the human olfactory system. Currently, there are limited non-invasive/minimally invasive technologies available for imaging the living human peripheral and central olfactory system with high spatial and temporal resolution. Imaging the olfactory system in the laboratory and in the clinic is essential to understanding underlying biological mechanisms as well as the etiology of an olfactory disorder. Such imaging has proven challenging due to the olfactory system’s unique anatomical and functional characteristics such as restricted accessibility, multiple cell types, and low signal resolution. Addressing these challenges requires multimodal approaches including leveraging existing advanced tools and technologies and developing new tools tailored for the olfactory system. Recent advances in minimally invasive and non-invasive imaging technologies, such as cell specific biomarkers, fluorescence imaging, specialized endoscopes, optical and acoustic imaging, molecular imaging, and hemodynamic and diffusion imaging have the potential to transform our ability to image and investigate the peripheral and central olfactory system in the living human with superior temporal and spatial resolution and eventually improve diagnostic accuracy of olfactory disorders. Applications must leverage advanced non-invasive/minimally invasive imaging technologies to visualize peripheral (e.g., olfactory- and non-olfactory epithelium) and central olfactory (e.g., olfactory bulb) targets at a level previously unattainable. In addition, projects should engage multidisciplinary teams combining expertise in olfaction, biomedical imaging, biochemistry, bioengineering, and biophysics, as appropriate.