The Science of Scent

A study of two- and three-component odor mixtures shows how pineapple likeness depends on the molecules combined and the experience of the person smelling them.

Brain patterns linked initial responses to later fabric softener choices in 25 women, with some information persisting after four months of use.

Odor-emotion scales from Liverpool, Singapore, and Geneva revealed shared dimensions and local differences in the language of fragrance.

A human scent-tracking study found benefits from practice and spatially separate nostrils, under controlled conditions with the nose near the ground.

Three odor-adapted IAT experiments found faster responses for expected relaxation and energy pairings, without testing actual calming effects.

Data from 106 adults linked odor recognition to emotion and verbal richness, and scene retrieval to familiarity and distinctive descriptions.

Genetic and cell-based research links variation in individual odor receptors to intensity and pleasantness, while showing that much perceptual variation remains unexplained.