Human sense of smell operates faster than previously thought

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According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, human sense of smell is much faster than previously thought. The study, conducted by a team of neuroscientists, utilized neuroimaging and sensory detection techniques to explore the speed and efficiency of olfactory processing. The scientists demonstrated that the human olfactory system can distinguish odors within a fraction of a second, challenging the longstanding assumption that smell is the slowest of the senses. This discovery could open new avenues for sensory-based applications in technology and therapy.

Source

Wu, Y., Chen, K., Xing, C. et al. Human olfactory perception embeds fine temporal resolution within a single sniff. Nat Hum Behav (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01984-8

Additional Reading

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/14/health/human-sense-of-smell-fast-wellness/index.html#:~:text=In%20a%20single%20sniff%2C%20the,%2C%E2%80%9D%20a%20new%20study%20finds.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/14/human-sense-of-smell-is-faster-than-previously-thought-study-suggests

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cdd4jn20336o