Blindness may boost your sense of taste and smell, scientists say
NCT ID NCT07707219
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether people with central or peripheral vision loss develop heightened senses of taste and smell. Researchers will measure brain responses to sweet and vanilla flavors in 50 visually impaired adults and compare them to sighted controls. The goal is to understand how the brain adapts to vision loss by enhancing other senses, which could influence food choices and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could reveal how the brain compensates for vision loss by sharpening other senses, potentially guiding new approaches to help people with visual impairments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small observational study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It measures brain activity, not real-world eating behavior, so practical benefits are uncertain.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Chu Dijon Bourgogne
Dijon, 21000, France
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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