On Point | Podcast 'Vivaldi smells like breakfast sausage'
Jan 3, 2025
Jonas Olofsson, a psychology professor and author of 'The Forgotten Sense', explores the incredible power of smell in our lives. He discusses how scent can trigger memories and influence emotions, revealing its significance in detecting Alzheimer’s disease. The conversation dives into the intriguing connection between smell and music, shedding light on synesthesia. Olofsson also examines cultural variations in olfactory preferences and discusses the emotional effects of losing smell, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Petrichor Passion
- Shauna Martin enjoyed the smell of wet pavement after rain.
- As a ceramic artist, she now recognizes the same scent, petrichor, when re-wetting dry clay.
The Forgotten Sense
- Scientists historically ignored smell due to its subjective nature and difficulty in objective measurement.
- This bias might stem from the emphasis on vision during the scientific revolution and a cultural shift away from "primitive" senses.
Smell and the Brain
- Paul Broca considered smell primitive, overshadowed by the frontal lobes responsible for reason and language.
- Olofsson argues that smell's power lies in integrating sensory cues, memories, and knowledge, creating a rich flavor experience.