Monthly Archives: 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 … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
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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, … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
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