Tag Archives: Odor Perception
Smell: the unsung sense
Catherine de Lange wanted to explore the limits of the human sense of smell, so she put hers to the test. Blindfolded on hands and knees, she attempted to emulate the sensory skills of a sniffer dog by trying to … Continue reading
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Odors of the world mapped by Smell Club
A Japanese web site dubbed the “Smell Club” has undertaken the mission of mapping the aromas of the world. Launched last month, the site has a couple hundred devoted “smellists” who are cataloging the scents they encounter. For now, you … Continue reading
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MIT scientists one step closer to artificial nose
MIT researchers report they’ve finally mass produced olfactory receptor proteins — molecules that can smell. Many researchers across the world have been working on e-noses, but the MIT research is based in the biology of the human nose. Previous efforts … Continue reading
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Electronic noses benefit from polymer-based mucus
British electronic-nose developers have found that adding a mucus layer to their e-nose improves its sniffing ability. Just like the mucus in a human nose, the synthetic mucus used on the e-nose controls the sniffing rate, thereby improving precision and … Continue reading
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Testing developed for measuring kids’ ability to smell
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 … Continue reading
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Birth control pills affect scent-based attraction
A recent UK study found that birth control pills impact a woman’s likelihood of sniffing out a genetically compatible mate. While it’s considered best, genetically and reproductively speaking, to choose a mate whose scent (determined by genes) is different, women … Continue reading
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Study looks at effects of “olfactory imagery”
Imagine a scent you’re familiar with. Now, actually go find something with that scent and sniff it. Chances are, imagining the scent caused the same reaction in your respiratory system as actually sniffing it did. This is the result of … Continue reading
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