Stem Cells Could Restore Sense of Smell

Researchers at Tufts University developed a simple 3D mouse organoid model to study how dormant stem cells, specifically horizontal basal cells (HBCs), support the regeneration of olfactory neurons. Their findings suggest that these cells play a crucial role in repairing smell loss, which can be impaired by aging or viral infections like COVID-19. The model aims to facilitate drug testing and eventually lead to human organoids for treating smell disorders.