The Curious Clinicians 107 - The Smell of the Rain
9 snips
Mar 27, 2025 Curious about the scent of rain? The discussion dives into petrichor, the delightful aroma that wafts through the air, revealing its chemical origins linked to geosmin and methyl isoborneol. The evolutionary importance of this scent is highlighted, especially how it attracts both humans and animals to water sources. Fascinating adaptations of desert dwellers like kangaroo rats showcase nature's ingenuity. The conversation also touches on the psychological effects of earthy smells, making for a captivating exploration of our connection to the natural world.
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Hiking Inspiration
- Hannah Abrams was hiking when her partner mentioned humans smell rain better than other animals.
- This sparked Abrams's curiosity and led to this podcast episode about petrichor.
Petrichor Origins
- Petrichor, the smell of rain, originates from various materials like rocks and clay.
- The term was coined in 1964 by Isabel Joy Bear and Dick Thomas, replacing the less accurate "argillaceous."
Pleasant Petrichor
- Humans find the smell of rain pleasant, as evidenced by poems and perfumes dedicated to it.
- The Ganges River perfume, mitiyatar, captures this essence.
