The Science of Scent

Can Rose Oxide Smell the Same but Trigger Different Nasal Responses?

Two rose oxide enantiomers produced different nasal electrical responses despite similar perception and scalp-recorded responses in a small human study.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Unpacking the Smell of Wood: Hints of Cucumber, Cheese, and Vanilla

Analysis of three Scots pine wood samples detected 44 odor-active compounds, revealing a resinous aroma with diverse underlying components.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Can Perfumers’ Words for Body Odor Reveal Genetic Similarities?

Among five evaluators describing shirts worn by 45 men, one perfumer’s detailed descriptions were associated with HLA similarity. The exploratory findings were not shared by all evaluators.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Grapes That Smell Like Lychee: A Rose-Like Compound Matters Too

A 16-compound aroma model revealed that removing rose oxide and geraniol together weakened the lychee note in Muscaris and Muskateller grapes.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Why Does a Sweet Tropical Fruit Have an Onion-Like Smell?

Reconstructing cempedak aroma and omitting three sulfur compounds helped explain the onion-like note that distinguishes it from jackfruit.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Do Fabrics Retain Different Odor Compounds After a Meal?

Three fabrics exposed to hot-pot emissions or tobacco smoke released different proportions of compounds. We distinguish the chemical findings from a diffusion model with inconsistent explanations in the original paper.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Can a Cleaning Scent Change How Often We Brush Away Crumbs?

Three experiments tested whether a citrus cleaner scent makes cleaning-related words and plans more accessible and increases crumb-clearing movements.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Can Fragrance Change the Impression of the Same Room Photograph?

A study paired photographs of natural and luxurious living rooms with three floral fragrances. We distinguish the impression ratings from preliminary physiological measurements in four people.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Do Wool-Blend Socks Smell Different After a Summer Workday?

Seven men wore three types of socks during summer workdays. We examine lower odor ratings and bacterial counts in wool blends, considering blend ratios, deodorizing treatment, and the limits of sensor measurements.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Do Smellier Clothes Hold More Bacteria? Results Differed by Fabric

Cotton, wool, and polyester worn by five men were followed for 28 days. Stronger-smelling fabrics did not necessarily retain bacteria longer, offering clues about fiber type and fabric structure.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent