The Science of Scent

Can a Partner’s Worn Shirt Change Your Sleep?

A study followed 155 people over four nights using a partner's shirt and a control shirt. We examine higher sleep efficiency and the role of recognizing whose scent it was in perceived sleep quality.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

How Do Deodorants Compare on Bacterial Counts and Odor? A PQ-16 Study

A PQ-16 formulation had lower odor scores than one commercial alcohol-based product at 24 and 48 hours, but no significant odor-score difference from an ACH formulation.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Does Getting Used to an Odor Make It Less Unpleasant?

Brief continuous exposure reduced perceived intensity for four odors, but pleasantness clearly declined only for the floral mixture at its two lower concentration settings.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Do Cotton and Polyester Shirts Smell Different After Exercise?

Shirts stored for 28 hours after exercise smelled stronger and more unpleasant when made of polyester rather than cotton. We examine their bacterial communities alongside culture experiments on seven fabrics.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Do More Odor Precursors Mean Stronger Underarm Odor? The Role of Bacteria

In a study of 24 people, measured sweat precursors did not directly track odor intensity. Detailed bacterial profiles in 11 nonusers of antiperspirants showed associations.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Can a Different Fragrance Make the Same Fabric Feel Softer?

Two experiments found softer fabric ratings with lemon or lavender than with an animal-like odor. Pleasant fragrance did not significantly outperform no fragrance.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Asparagus Urine Odor: Not Producing It and Not Smelling It Are Different

A cross-testing study distinguished individual differences in producing detectable asparagus-related urine odor from differences in perceiving it, with a genetic link to perception.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Can Black Pepper Aroma Change the Body’s Response During Mental Arithmetic?

A study of 20 young men found smaller changes in some physiological measures during arithmetic with black pepper aroma. Results depended on the measure and comparator.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Do Friends Who Click Have Similar Body Odors?

A study of same-sex friends and strangers linked body-odor similarity to connection, but its 71% classification result was internal validation, not a forecast of future friendship.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent

Why Can Washed and Dried Towels Still Smell?

Researchers identified Moraxella osloensis as a producer of a key laundry-malodor compound and tested its survival on fabrics.

2026.11.03

The Science of Scent