Archive for March, 2007
Archaeologists recreate the smells of ancient Rome
Archaeologists on the island of Cyprus have unearthed the oldest known perfume factory in the Mediterranean. The facility, which specialized in olive oil production and related industries, dates back to the 2nd millenium, B.C. The area was abandoned after an earthquake and a massive fire around 1850 B.C., leaving a perfectly preserved facility with intact vessels and furnishings. The team of Italian scientists has recreated the scent extraction and production methods, recreated the 14 essences that were being made in the factory, and put it on exhibit in Rome. “The Perfumes of Aphrodite and the Secret of Oil” is open to the public through September 2, 2007, at Rome’s Musei Capitolini.
Add comment March 30, 2007
Eco-friendly aromas abate airborne infection hazard
Fragrance compounds from cinnamon, cloves, coriander and other spices kill airborne bacteria, yeast and mold, according to a University of Vienna study. The researchers set out to investigate eco-friendly, unobjectionable substances with a potential for air disinfection. The study, published recently in Flavor and Fragrance Journal, involved the four aroma chemicals thymol, linalool, trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. It’s the first study to look at antimicrobial properties of aroma chemicals and essential oils on airborne microbes. To read more about the study, see Flavor and Fragrance Journal
Add comment March 20, 2007
Study demonstrates sodium’s importance in odor detection
Olfactory perception and sensitivity depend on the presence of sodium, say
neurophysiologists at Ruhr-University Bochum. The study found that bathing
the olfactory mucus with a sodium-free buffer resulted in decreased odor
detection ability. Odor detection returned within a few hours, as mucus was
produced. The new, non-invasive technique for inducing anosmia in opens up new possibilities for looking at olfactory communication in animals. For more about this see Chemical Senses
Add comment March 20, 2007
Smelling lavender and rosemary may decrease effects of stress
Feeling stressed out? Sniff some lavender and rosemary, say scientists at Meikai University in Japan. A recent study indicates that the aromas of these two plants enhance free radical scavenging activity and decrease the hormone cortisol, protecting the body from oxidative stress. Previous studies of lavender and rosemary have looked at the effect of these essential oils on cognition and mood. Meikai University scientists are looking more deeply at the physiological responses that relate to lavender and rosemary’s therapeutic affects.
For more info, see PubMed
1 comment March 20, 2007
Aromas enhance sleeping and waking
Inhaling the scent of valerian enhances sleep, according to a recent study by Japanese neuroscientists. While valerian has been reported to have an effect on sleep when used internally, this is the first medical study to suggest that inhaling it provides a similar effect. The research, which looked at the effect of various odorants on the sleep-wake states of rats, studied clove, jasmine, lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine, rose, sandalwood, valerian, and ylang-ylang. The biggest results? Inhalation of valerian resulted in falling asleep quickly and sleeping longer. Lemon inhalation, on the other hand, was suggested to make falling asleep more difficult. More about this can be seen at Chemical Senses.
Add comment March 20, 2007
Quantum vibration theory of smell gains credibility
How does our olfactory system interpret an odor molecule? Physicist Marshall Stoneham is trying to find out. His studies at University College London are putting Luca Turin’s controversial theory to the test. In Turin’s model, put forth in 1996, receptors are cued by the vibrational frequency of the odor molecule. This differs strongly from the leading theory, which supposes that the shape of the odor molecule allows it to fit like a key into the appropriate lock-like receptor. But while the shape theory is the one most accepted by scientists, it has not been proven. Shape still has a role in Turin’s model, however, being part of what determines the molecule’s overall vibrational frequency. Using quantum mechanics, says Turin’s model, an electron “tunnels” through the odor molecule, distorting its electrical field. Stoneham’s study supposed that an odor molecule sits between an electron donor and an electron receptor, while the electron “tunnels” its way to the receptor, thus activating it. The detailed structure of the receptors is unknown, but the calculations made by Stoneham and his colleagues came out favoring Turin’s mechanism. More about this can be found at Scientific American and Physorg.com.
Add comment March 20, 2007
People sniff beyond expectations
Human olfactory abilities are far greater than we realize, says a recent study at UC-Berkeley. Blindfolded and with covered ears, participants in the study crawled through the grass, using only their nose to guide them on a chocolate-scented trail. Most participants were able to find the 30-foot trail and follow it as it turned. The study found also that smelling occurs in stereo: covering one nostril was found to greatly reduce the participants’ ability to follow the trail. More about the study can be seen at The Ledger
Add comment March 20, 2007
