Study Reveals True Speed For Sense Of Smell
Recent research indicates that humans can detect subtle changes in odor within milliseconds, comparable to the speed at which they recognize shifts in color. This challenges the common belief that the sense of smell operates more slowly than vision or hearing, according to scientists involved in the study.
Dr. Zhou Wen, the lead author from the Institute of Psychology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explains that smelling does not function as a prolonged exposure to environmental chemicals that averages over time. Instead, the sense of smell is highly sensitive and can detect variations in odors with a speed comparable to color perception. The study was published on October 14 in Nature Human Behaviour.
While human olfaction is less developed than that of many animals, such as dogs, the findings suggest it may be more responsive than previously assumed. To investigate this, the research team created a specialized device capable of releasing odors with a precision of just 18 milliseconds. Participants were exposed to two different odors in quick succession, and their ability to distinguish between the two was tested.
The results showed that individuals could identify differences between the odors even when they were separated by a mere 60 milliseconds, which is roughly the time it takes to blink. This time frame is similar to the duration it takes for the human visual system to differentiate between green and red lights flashing in sequence.
In a related editorial, Dr. Dmitry Rinberg, a professor at NYU Langone Health, compared the timing sensitivity of smell to the perception of music, emphasizing that the order and timing of notes are crucial for understanding melodies. Rinberg argues that the study of olfaction deserves greater scientific attention, given its significance in human experience, which has historically been overshadowed by vision and hearing.
Dr. Zhou also highlighted potential applications of their research, suggesting that their apparatus could be used for therapeutic purposes, such as helping patients with olfactory loss through olfactory training. Additionally, their findings may inform the development of electronic noses and olfactory virtual reality systems, which could offer significant clinical advantages.
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