Testing developed for measuring kids’ ability to smell
August 16, 2008
Until recently, there were no good tests available for measuring the ability to smell in children. Available studies were too lengthy for kids, and measured response to odors that kids hadn’t necessarily been exposed to, even if they could smell them. A new study has changed all that. Australian scientists found 16 different odors that most kids ages 5-7 can identify. The 16 odors represent 4 sections of the palate: salty, bitter, sour, and sweet. (There was no mention in the study of the fifth category umami, the savory taste for which receptors are available everywhere on the tongue.) The 16 odors represented include floral, orange, strawberry, fish, chocolate, baby powder, paint, cut grass, sour, minty, onion, Vicks Vapo-rub, spicy, antiseptic, cheese, and gasoline. Because of the study, several standard smell and taste tests are now able to diagnose the level of smell and taste function in young children.
Read more in Medical News Today
Entry Filed under: News. Tags: Health, Kids, Odor Perception, Science.
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