Methods In Chemosensory Research

Methods in Chemosensory Research describes new molecular, electrophysiological, engineering, genetic, behavioral, psychophysical, and imaging techniques that have recently been adapted to investigate the basic neuronal mechanisms underlying chemoreception. Written by leaders in the field of neuronal chemoreception specializing in olfaction, gustation, baroreception, and chemical irritation caused by environmental pollutants, this unique book combines novel methods to investigate all aspects of taste and olfaction. These methods range from the molecular level to the investigation of individual cell taste and olfactory epithelia.

Unlike other human senses, the exact mechanisms that lead to our perception of flavor have not yet been elucidated. It is recognised that the process involves a wide range of stimuli, which are thought likely to interact in a complex way, but, since the chemical compounds and physical structures that activate the flavor sensors change as the food is eaten, measurements of the changes in stimuli with time are essential to an understanding of the relationship between stimuli and perception. It is clear that we need to consider the whole process - the release of flavor chemicals in the mouth, the transport processes to the receptors, the specificity and characteristics of the receptors, the transduction mechanisms and the subsequent processing of signals locally and at higher centres in the brain. This book provides a state-of-the-art review of our current understanding of the key stages of flavor perception for those working in the flavor field, whether in the academic or industrial sector. In particular, it is directed at food scientists and technologists, ingredients suppliers and sensory scientists.

Comprehensive Overview of Advances in Olfaction The common belief is that human smell perception is much reduced compared with other mammals, so that whatever abilities are uncovered and investigated in animal research would have little significance for humans. However, new evidence from a variety of sources indicates this traditional view is likely overly simplistic. The Neurobiology of Olfaction provides a thorough analysis of the state-of-the-science in olfactory knowledge and research, reflecting the growing interest in the field. Authors from some of the most respected laboratories in the world explore various aspects of olfaction, including genetics, behavior, olfactory systems, odorant receptors, odor coding, and cortical activity. Until recently, almost all animal research in olfaction was carried out on orthonasal olfaction (inhalation). It is only in recent years, especially in human flavor research, that evidence has begun to be obtained regarding the importance of retronasal olfaction (exhalation). These studies are beginning to demonstrate that retronasal smell plays a large role to play in human behavior. Highlighting common principles among various species – including humans, insects, Xenopus laevis (African frog), and Caenorhabditis elegans (nematodes) – this highly interdisciplinary book contains chapters about the most recent discoveries in odor coding from the olfactory epithelium to cortical centers. It also covers neurogenesis in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb. Each subject-specific chapter is written by a top researcher in the field and provides an extensive list of reviews and original articles for students and scientists interested in further readings.

Experimental Cell Biology of Taste and Olfaction examines and adapts methods from a variety of established fields, such as neurophysiology, receptor biochemistry and cellular imaging to provide comprehensive coverage of current techniques and protocols in chemosensory cell biology. Written for both newcomers and established scientists, this volume offers numerous tips for problem solving and suggests ways to avoid the most common, and costly, mistakes made by researchers. This book covers general aspects such as tissue collection and preparation, as well as specific, up-to-date methods used in taste and olfactory morphology, immunology, biochemistry, biophysics, electrophysiology and molecular biology. The explosion of knowledge and the increased interest in these areas make this book an important reference work for all scientists, students, and teachers in this and related fields

The textbook provides an overview of the sensory science field in the context of diseases such as obesity and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This book brings a summary of the state of the science in key areas and provides examples of translational science from using cellular and rodent models to human clinical trials and community health. The volume structure leads the reader through the physiology of taste and smell into how sensory testing for taste and smell is studied, basic mechanisms, various protocols that are used throughout the field along with the pros/cons of the current methods used. This resource is intended for classroom teaching, for novice researchers in sensory research as well as students and postdoctoral fellows. Example of courses are nutrition, basic nursing, interdisciplinary health courses, sensory perception (psychology), neuroscience, and medical courses, dentistry, food science and others.

Statistical Techniques for Neuroscientists introduces new and useful methods for data analysis involving simultaneous recording of neuron or large cluster (brain region) neuron activity. The statistical estimation and tests of hypotheses are based on the likelihood principle derived from stationary point processes and time series. Algorithms and software development are given in each chapter to reproduce the computer simulated results described therein. The book examines current statistical methods for solving emerging problems in neuroscience. These methods have been applied to data involving multichannel neural spike train, spike sorting, blind source separation, functional and effective neural connectivity, spatiotemporal modeling, and multimodal neuroimaging techniques. The author provides an overview of various methods being applied to specific research areas of neuroscience, emphasizing statistical principles and their software. The book includes examples and experimental data so that readers can understand the principles and master the methods. The first part of the book deals with the traditional multivariate time series analysis applied to the context of multichannel spike trains and fMRI using respectively the probability structures or likelihood associated with time-to-fire and discrete Fourier transforms (DFT) of point processes. The second part introduces a relatively new form of statistical spatiotemporal modeling for fMRI and EEG data analysis. In addition to neural scientists and statisticians, anyone wishing to employ intense computing methods to extract important features and information directly from data rather than relying heavily on models built on leading cases such as linear regression or Gaussian processes will find this book extremely helpful.

This detailed volume explores olfactory receptors, a topic that goes beyond classical biochemical essays and involves methods to investigate the brain areas associated with the perception of odorants. Gathering the strands of many advanced techniques, the book organizes these key methods in order to achieve a unifying comprehension of the olfactory system. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and multidisciplinary, Olfactory Receptors: Methods and Protocols serves to benefit not only those who are beginning in the field of olfactory receptors, but also those who are already working in the field and that want to learn another advanced techniques.

It has become accepted in the neuroscience community that perception and performance are quintessentially multisensory by nature. Using the full palette of modern brain imaging and neuroscience methods, The Neural Bases of Multisensory Processes details current understanding in the neural bases for these phenomena as studied across species, stages of development, and clinical statuses. Organized thematically into nine sub-sections, the book is a collection of contributions by leading scientists in the field. Chapters build generally from basic to applied, allowing readers to ascertain how fundamental science informs the clinical and applied sciences. Topics discussed include: Anatomy, essential for understanding the neural substrates of multisensory processing Neurophysiological bases and how multisensory stimuli can dramatically change the encoding processes for sensory information Combinatorial principles and modeling, focusing on efforts to gain a better mechanistic handle on multisensory operations and their network dynamics Development and plasticity Clinical manifestations and how perception and action are affected by altered sensory experience Attention and spatial representations The last sections of the book focus on naturalistic multisensory processes in three separate contexts: motion signals, multisensory contributions to the perception and generation of communication signals, and how the perception of flavor is generated. The text provides a solid introduction for newcomers and a strong overview of the current state of the field for experts.