Study shows humans have ability to track odors, much like bloodhounds
Though humans may never match the tracking ability of dogs, we apparently have the ability to sniff out and locate odors, according to a new study by scientists from the University of California, Berkeley. Student volunteers presented with odors to one nostril or the other could reliably discern where the odor was coming from, and functional magnetic resonance images of their brains showed...Nose odors and mouth odors: The brain distinguishes
Researchers have presented the first clear evidence that olfaction is uniquely a "dual" sense, in that the brain perceives the same odorant molecule differently if it arrives through the nose rather than the mouth. In the August 18, 2005, issue of , researchers report that the smell of chocolate activated different brain regions according to whether the odor was introduced into the o...Researchers find link between food odors and lifespan in fruit flies
Researchers hoping to learn why organisms tend to live longer if their intake of calories is restricted have made a startling discovery ?in fruit flies, just the smell of food can have a negative effect on longevity. Scientists have known for decades that restricted dietary intake can increase the lifespan of many species, but the mechanism that causes this is not understood. Short-lived o...Aromatherapy: Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety
Odors have long been known to be capable of altering the emotional state of humans. Physiological and psychological effects of essential oils have been acknowledged in folk medicine and aromatherapy for a long time//. Citrus and lavender fragrances have been particularly attributed with mood enhancing properties by aromatherapists. Recently a study, published in the September issue of th...Aluminum in Deodorants Could Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Cancer researcher Philippa Darbre, PhD, of the University of Reading in England, has said that a strong link exists between the use of deodorants or antiperspirants and breast cancer. She says that he aluminum-based active ingredient used in these products mimics estrogen in the body.// "Lifetime exposure to estrogen is the risk factor which is tied most strongly to breast cancer," Darb...Aluminum Salts In Underarm Deodorants Increase Risk Of Breast Cancer
A new study has now raised the possibility of an association between aluminum salts contained in deodorants and increased risk of breast cancer//. Salts of metals like cadmium and aluminum are believed to exert estrogen-like efforts on breast cancer cells, leading to malignant transformation. Under laboratory conditions, these salts have even been found to accelerate the growth of bre...Deodorising Products may be Harmful to the Lungs
Certain deodorising products, including air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners, contain a chemical compound which scientists say may be harmful to the lungs.// Stephanie London and her colleagues at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) examined 953 adults exposed to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and found that one compound called 1,4 dichloroben...Food Odors Linked With Lifespan in Fruit Flies
Researchers studying fruits flies have made a Startling discovery. The researchers who want to learn why organisms tend to live longer //if their intake of calories is restricted have found that the smell of food can have a negative effect on longevity in the fruit flies. Scientists have known for decades that restricted dietary intake can increase the lifespan of many species, but the...