The Brain Knows What the Nose Smells, But How?

Science & Tech (tags: brain, nose, smells, scent, receptors )

Deena
- 2629 days ago - sciencedaily.com

Mice know fear. And they know to fear the scent of a predator. But how do their brains quickly figure out with a sniff that a cat is nearby?It's a complex process that starts with the scent being picked up by specific receptors in their noses.

add comment

send green star



Comments

Freya H (357)

Tuesday February 8, 2011, 5:29 pm
From what I have read and heard, smell is more closely associated with memory than any other sense. I find that to be true - certain scents can bring back memories that have stayed hidden for years.

flag as inappropriate

Bonnie B (103)

Wednesday February 9, 2011, 1:25 pm
Interesting, thanks! I know 2 people who through brain injuries have no sense of smell. Bummer, partly because this also cancels out their sense of taste, which is closely linked to aroma. Food has no taste for them, sad.

flag as inappropriate

Lynne Buckley (0)

Wednesday February 9, 2011, 2:23 pm
This is fascinating. I know someone with memory problems who has had to stop cooking as not only do they forget they're cooking, but they don't smell it, even when it's burning.

flag as inappropriate