Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The Medical University of South Carolina received a $420,118 Project Grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) under the Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders program (CFDA 93.173), awarded June 1, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2028. This exploratory research initiative investigates the use of transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) to modulate olfactory valence—the perceived pleasantness or unpleasantness of odors—as a potential therapeutic intervention for parosmia and other qualitative smell disorders that emerged as significant clinical needs following the recent pandemic.

The research deliverables consist of two primary investigative aims designed to establish causal effects of TFUS stimulation on odor perception and central processing. Aim 1 will demonstrate TFUS effects on the amygdala using subjective, neurophysiological, and objective behavioral indices of odor valence and avoidance, while Aim 2 will demonstrate comparable effects on the ventral striatum using identical measurement approaches. Conducted in healthy volunteers, this preliminary research will establish whether necessary tools and protocols are in place to support future efficacy trials in individuals with parosmia, ultimately supporting the development of an evidence-based treatment targeting olfactory distortions and reducing negative emotional responses to odors.