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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
10:42
A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
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What does the nose know? Olfactory function predicts social network size in human
Lai-Quan Zou1,2, Zhuo-Ya Yang1,2, Yi Wang1
1Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Scientific Reports
|April 26, 2016
Summary
Larger social networks are linked to better olfactory sensitivity in humans. Brain scans suggest amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex connectivity may explain this connection between smell and social interaction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Olfaction plays a crucial role in human social communication.
- The relationship between olfactory function and social network size remains largely unexplored.
- Understanding the neural underpinnings of this connection is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between olfactory function and social network size.
- To explore the neural mechanisms linking olfactory sensitivity and social network size.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one healthy participants were recruited.
- Social network size was quantified using the Social Network Index.
- Olfactory sensitivity was assessed using the Sniffin' Stick Test.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between social network size and olfactory sensitivity.
- Functional connectivity between the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex was related to both olfactory sensitivity and social network size.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory function is positively associated with an individual's social network size.
- Amygdala-orbitofrontal cortex connectivity may represent a neural basis for the link between olfaction and social behavior.
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