Design and Testing of an Olfactory Stimulus Device for use in fMRI

Abstract

<p>This report outlines the design and testing of an olfactory stimulus in an fMRI setting. The goal of this project was to create a device that would be both cost effective and compatible with an extremely unique environment. The sense of smell provides a unique challenge for scientists. Because of most of the processing goes on in the deeper centers of the brain, it can be often hard to image. Another issue with the study of olfaction is the actual delivery of the odour. This problem is what our device was designed to solve. We went through many prototypes which had several drawbacks, whether they were price or compatibility. In the end we decided to go with a device that was pneumatically controlled and involved the use of a Laerdal mask. This device provided an air tight mechanism to deliver smell into the MRI environment, without having to worry about passing signals in and out, which can be challenging. The system was fairly simple but proved very effective. The overall result was activation seen in expected regions of the brain.</p>