The team uses 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. (sciencedaily.com)
The hope is that this approach will provide new olfactory receptor neurons for people whose own have been permanently damaged or defective since birth. (discovermagazine.com)
The benefits of using olfactory receptor neuron samples to study psychiatric disorders and patient responsiveness include their similarity to brain neurons, the relatively easy biopsy procedure, and the potential for scientists to sample and compare cells from the same patients throughout several different stages of disease. (schizophrenia.com)