In a pioneering experiment, Bar-Ilan researchers have developed an optical sensor that can remotely track brain activity in dogs as they process different scents. This non-invasive technique measures activity in three critical brain regions, all of which play a key role in how dogs distinguish between smells.
Unlike traditional methods, which require dogs to remain still or be sedated, this innovative approach employs laser-based speckle pattern detection. A high-resolution camera captures real-time brain responses without the need for intrusive equipment, offering an unprecedented look into the canine mind.
To understand how dogs differentiate between odours, the research team exposed four different breeds to four distinct scents – garlic, menthol, alcohol, and marijuana – while monitoring their brain activity. Using machine-learning algorithms, Bar-Ilan scientists uncovered that the amygdala plays a far more significant role in scent differentiation than previously thought.
Prof. Zeev Zalevsky of Bar-Ilan’s Kofkin Faculty of Engineering said:
“Our findings show that the amygdala is not only involved in emotional and memory-related processing but is also crucial in how dogs react to different odours. This discovery could be the first step toward developing a device that allows us to interpret and understand how dogs perceive the world through scent.”
