Professor Ackels revolutionizes the understanding of the sense of smell!
Professor Ackels revolutionizes the understanding of the sense of smell!
Professor Tobias Ackels was awarded the renowned Paul Ehrlich- and Ludwig Darmstaedter young talent. He not only sees this honor as a significant recognition of his previous scientific work, but also as a proof of trust for his future career. Ackels, who has enriched the University of Bonn since the winter semester 2023/24, came before the Francis Crick Institute in London.
his research within the transdisciplinary research area "Life and Health" aims to gain new insights into the functioning of the sense of smell. His work with nocturnal animals is particularly remarkable, which are based in the dark with their pronounced sense of smell. While smells consist of different molecules and constantly changing scent clouds, the "taster attack" was traditionally considered the smallest information unit of odor processing.
progress in odor research
In his studies, however,Ackels has proven that information that controls behavior can also be included between these breaths. In the nasal mucosa, smell cells register the different smells; While mice have over 1000 types of odor receptors, it is around 350 in humans. The innovative approach to investigate information from olfactory cells has a major impact on understanding olfactory perception.
In his research, Ackels confirmed his hypothesis about the flow of information in odor processing both through fluorescence microscopic measurements and with the help of a computer model. With mice, he simulated the decisive distinction between synchronous and asynchronous fragrances and found that mammals can distinguish between fragrance sources and a frequency of 40 Hertz. This ability is essential for spatial orientation.future research goals
Ackels is currently intensively researching how information from the olfactory piston is passed on to higher regions of the smell brain. There are also promising indications that olfactory deficits could be used by dementia for early detection. This research could not only offer new diagnostic approaches, but also deepen understanding of the role of the sense of smell in various clinical contexts.
The award ceremony of Paul Ehrlich- and Ludwig Darmstaedter junior prices will take place on March 14, 2025 in the Frankfurt Paulskirche; The prize money of 60,000 euros is planned for research purposes. Ackels will not only continue his work at the University of Bonn, but will also make significant progress in olfactory research under the direction of his group "Sensory Dynamics and Behavior"
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