The Science of Scent

Which Flies Carry Pollen from Foul-Smelling Flowers?

A small flower growing among rocks in South Africa was supported by flies that had scarcely been known as pollinators. A dung-like odor and just a little nectar: investigating how pollen is carried reveals a complex relationship in which even an unpleasant-smelling flower attracts its partners and encourages them to stay.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

If You Misname a Smell, Do You Still Know Something About It?

If someone calls the smell of an apple “fruit,” is that wrong? A study of responses from 2,479 adults in Sweden showed that knowledge about an odor can remain in the words people use even when they cannot name it correctly.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Why Do Some People Dislike the Smell of Fish While Others Do Not Mind It?

People smelling the same fish odor can differ in perceived intensity, unpleasantness, and the names that come to mind. A study of 11,326 people in Iceland linked part of that variation to genetic differences in olfactory receptors.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Does the Corpse Flower’s Scent Change from Night to Night?

The titan arum is known for its carrion-like smell. Continuous measurements during flowering showed differences in both the amount and the mixture of compounds between the first night, when pollen is received, and the next, when it is released. Calculations of changes in the air also suggest that air pollution could disrupt communication between flowers and insects.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

What Happens to Indoor Air When You Use Perfume or Sprays?

How do compounds released by perfumes and sprays change in air containing ozone? A 2024 experiment involving five products sheds light on secondary products and particle formation, and on what remains unknown about health effects.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Does Sleeping with a Favorite Scent Make Dreams Feel Better?

Choosing a scent that evokes pleasant memories and sleeping in a room scented with it: in a sleep experiment involving 20 people, no improvement in dream emotions or mood immediately after awakening was confirmed. The study explores the difficulty of influencing dreams even when personal scent preferences are considered.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Can Similar Vanilla-Like Aromas Elicit Different Brain Responses?

Different responses in some brain regions were reported even for three vanilla-like odorants rated similarly for intensity, pleasantness, and familiarity. A 44-person fMRI study helps distinguish aroma ratings and brain activity from interpretations concerning memory.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Should Room Fragrance Run Continuously? A Study of Intervals and Comfort

Does keeping a room fragrance running make it more pleasant? A study comparing sweet orange essential-oil diffusion intervals separates scent perception and preference from performance on attention tasks.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Jasmine Flowers and Absolutes: What a Comparison of Four Species Reveals

Fresh jasmine flowers and the perfumery material known as an absolute: a comparison of four species grown in Egypt explores differences associated with species, harvest month, and extraction method.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
The Science of Scent

Does Vanilla Smell Different Depending on Where and How It Is Cured?

Even within a recognizably vanilla aroma, there are different expressions of fruit, rum, and wood. A study in which 62 people smelled pods from four regions of Mexico explores the relationships between traditional processing, aroma preferences, and the condition of the pods.
2026.11.03
The Science of Scent
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