Archive for March, 2008
Scented smoke detectors wake the hearing impaired
Scientists at Japan’s Shiga University of Medical Science have been testing prototypes of a new type of silent smoke alarm for deaf people. The alarm, co-created by Seems, a perfuming company, uses the overpowering, pungent scent of wasabi, or Japanese horseradish. Previously available smoke alarms for deaf people have used strobe lights. Recent tests results for the wasabi alarms have been positive — 13 out of 14 people tested woke within two minutes of the scent release, while the actual deaf person in the test awoke within 10 seconds.
Read more at Reuters and InventorSpot
Add comment March 25, 2008
Good news for stinky feet
Got stinky feet? Now you can mask that lovely aroma with a better one. Check out Summer Soles Fragrant Footings scented insoles. They’re using some kind of encapsulation technology, calling it “step-to-release.” Available with essential oils of lemon, jasmine and mint.
Available from summersoles.com
Add comment March 23, 2008
Fiat 500 integrates fragrance
It seems I am the last to know that the Fiat 500 comes with an aromatic addition: a fragrance dispenser. The unit sits in the drink holder and plugs into the cigarette lighter, dispersing scent automatically. It holds three scents (“essence of the night,” “spicy summer fruit,” and “breathing freely”) and has three different fan speed settings.
Opinions about the fragrance dispenser are mixed over at the New Fiat 500 forums.
Read more at Fiat.com
Add comment March 23, 2008
ScentAndrea worth a look
If you’ve never taken a look at ScentAndrea’s web site, head on over there and get inspired. They’ve got some interesting theories, with products to match. According to their “scent symphony” idea, the problem with scenting technology today is the single-note or single-chord orientation. They believe the brain rejects a scent after a few seconds, causing what some people might interpret as an allergic reaction. ScentAndrea’s answer is “Sensory Symphonies,” complete with “Titled Compositions.” Check it out. Then there’s the aptly named Scent Cannon, and the Scent Under Shelf disposable scent emitter with a built-in motion detector, a Scent Mouse, and quite a variety of other cool stuff.
More at scentandrea.com
Add comment March 22, 2008
Virtual cigarettes available in Europe
Smokers in Europe have a new way to subvert the smoking ban. It’s a battery-operated “cigarette” that contains no actual tobacco and uses no combustion. What gets inhaled is water vapor mixed with a tobacco aroma and added nicotine, so smokers can get their nicotine fix and their oral fix, but without actually smoking. According to the company, “LIFE e-cigarettes” can be smoked anywhere there’s a smoking ban. The starter kit includes an e-cigarette with a rechargeable battery, a charger, and one disposable cartridge of tobacco scent (refills sold separately). Oh, it’s available in a cigar, too.
Read more at Metropol Trading Co.
Add comment March 22, 2008
€5 million insurance policy goes to a nose
Dutch winemaker Ilja Gort has taken out an insurance policy on his nose valued at €5 million. Gort, who owns Chateau de la Garde winery in Bordeaux, says his nose is essential to his ability to guarantee the quality of his wine. Prior to purchasing the insurance policy, Gort had his nose tested, so there’s a baseline from which to determine any loss of ability if he makes a claim.
Read more at myfinances.co.uk
Add comment March 21, 2008
Chandler Burr’s Scent Dinners tour Europe
Chandler Burr, author and New York Times perfume critic, is offering a new series of Scent Dinners this June. The dinners involve discussing culinary perfumes, sampling them, and eating a gourmet meal that uses them or relates to them somehow. Burr collaborates with chefs in bringing together taste, scent, history and art. If you think you might be in Paris, Rome or Florence this June, I suggest you make your reservations now.
Read more at Perfume Shrine and TravelVideo.TV
Add comment March 20, 2008
