What does the nose know? Olfactory function predicts social network size in human.
Olfaction is an important medium of social communication in humans. However, it is not known whether olfactory function is associated with social network size. This study aimed to explore the underlying neural mechanism between olfactory function and social network. Thirty-one healthy individuals participated in this study. Social network size was estimated using the Social Network Index. Olfactory function was assessed with the Sniffin' Stick Test. The results showed that there is a significant positive correlation between the size of an individual's social network and their olfactory sensitivity. We also found that amygdala functional connectivity with the orbitofrontal cortex appeared to be related to olfactory sensitivity and social network size.
Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.|University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Lai-Quan
LQ
Zou
Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.|University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Zhuo-Ya
ZY
Yang
Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Yi
Y
Wang
Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.|University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.|Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 999077, China.
Simon S Y
SS
Lui
School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
An-Tao
AT
Chen
Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 999077, China.
Eric F C
EF
Cheung
Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Raymond C K
RC
Chan
D000328:Adult; D000679:Amygdala / Q000502:physiology; D002681:China; D000073865:Cigarette Smoking; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D012944:Social Support