# Mice and humans share ancient brain system for smell, studies show 2026-08-07T12:00:31+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Times of India reports that two studies from Northwestern University, published in Science Advances, reveal that humans and mice rely on the same brain wave rhythm to process smells. A single human inhalation triggers low-frequency theta oscillations, matching the frequency of a rodent's sniff. One study found that mice take deliberate single sniffs while handling food, coordinating breath and movement. The other recorded brain activity in human olfactory bulbs, showing that one slow breath activates several internal cycles. The research suggests an ancient, shared neural system for smell across mammals. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: mammals, neuroscience, olfaction, sniffing, theta oscillations Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/mice-and-humans-share-ancient-brain-system-for-smell-studies-show/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/mice-and-humans-share-ancient-brain-system-for-smell-studies-show/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.