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Chemistry

We Can’t Yet Replicate Animal Olfaction Synthetically as a Sensing and Classification Modality

We currently lack a comprehensive model explaining how biological systems decode and classify chemical signals through olfaction. Understanding this process is critical for applications ranging from flavor science to disease diagnostics to understanding and harnessing animal communication.

Foundational Capabilities (2)

Map of Odorant Receptor Binding

Humans have ~400 odorant receptor genes that encode functional GPCR proteins. Binding ligands have been identified for ~80. Mapping the binding profiles of olfactory receptors from humans and other animals would enable novel biosensors and reveal novel therapeutic targets.
  • M2OR
    Initiative
  • Deciphering olfactory receptor binding mechanisms: a structural and dynamic perspective on olfactory receptors
    Research and Reviews
  • M2OR: a database of olfactory receptor–odorant pairs for understanding the molecular mechanisms of olfaction
    Research and Reviews
  • Structural basis of odorant recognition by a human odorant receptor
    Research and Reviews

    • Build an Olfaction Decoding Model

    Develop an integrative model that explains how the olfactory system decodes and classifies complex chemical stimuli, linking molecular features to perceived odors.
  • Osmo
    Company
  • A principal odor map unifies diverse tasks in olfactory perception
    Research and Reviews
  • Engineered odorant receptors illuminate the basis of odour discrimination
    Research and Reviews