Meeting to highlight health impacts of smell...( What: The senses of smell and taste ...)

What:
The senses of smell and taste may have greater bearing on health than is generally accepted by both doctors and patients. Recent research suggests that these senses and their influence on behavior have implications for nutrition, aging, mental health, obesity, diabetes and safety. Researchers supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health, will be presenting their work at the International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste.

When:
July 21-26, 2008

Where:
Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Embarcadero, San Francisco

Additional Information:
Read on for a sampling of topics to be covered at the meeting.

Scientists who study smell and taste are uncovering evidence that these senses make surprising contributions to our overall health. Genetic variations and smell and taste disorders may underlie dietary habits and impact weight, blood pressure and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease or diabetes. However, epidemiologists have conducted few studies to measure the prevalence and types of smell and taste disorders in the general population or among various age groups. In this symposium, NIDCD epidemiologist Howard Hoffman will describe NIH efforts to encourage improved collection of statistical data on normal and disordered smell and taste. Among the other symposium speakers will be NIDCD-supported scientists Claire Murphy, Ph.D., of San Diego State University, who studies smell and the aging brain; Linda Bartoshuk, Ph.D., of the University of Florida, an internationally recognized taste researcher; and Karen Cruickshanks, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin, who leads population studies in Beaver Dam, Wisc. (Saturday, July 26, Symposium, 9:00 to 11:15 a.m., Grand Ballroom C)

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