April
2007
Scent science0
29-Apr-2007 The only nerve cells in the body to run directly from the brain to the outside world, olfactory cells – which give us our sense of smell – are in constant danger of being killed by harsh chemicals in the air.
Researchers have now identified a backup supply of stem cells that can repair the most severe damage to these nerves. These reservists normally lie around doing nothing, but jump into action when smell cells die.
“These stem cells act like the Army Reserves of our nose, supporting a class of active-duty stem cells that help repair normal wear and tear,” explains lead author Randall Reed. “They don’t come in until things are really bad.”
19-Apr-2007 For the first time scientists predict the effect of small changes in a molecule on its scent. The results prove that it is “the electronic surface structure of a molecule” that defines its fragrance, say the researchers.
26-Dec-2006 Exposure to scents helps the brain to distinguish other similar scents. Researchers presented a single odour to human subjects for a few minutes. Half got a minty odour, the other half a flowery one. This brief sensory exposure created mint or floral expertise, respectively, at least for a time. Story and science teaching resources (US or UK English) posted at www.realscience.org.uk
