The Rest Is Science The Smell Of Christmas Is Tree Screams
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Dec 25, 2025 Dive into the surprising origins of that cozy Christmas pine scent, which is actually a defensive warning signal from trees. Discover how terpenes repel pests while humans find comfort in the scent, harking back to our ancestors. The hosts also explore tactile illusions, showing how our brain misjudges sensory information with fun demonstrations. From the brain's predictive mapping to the fascinating concept of phantom limbs, this discussion reveals the curious interplay between scent, touch, and our perception of reality.
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Recreate Pine Smell On Artificial Trees
- If you miss the real-tree scent on an artificial tree, try commercially sold tree-scent sprays.
- Hannah Fry warns these sprays feel inferior but can partly recreate the festive aroma.
Switching To An Artificial Tree
- Hannah Fry switched to an artificial tree but sprays it with tree scent because she misses the real smell.
- Michael jokes about being an artificial-tree fan and prefers very fake options like gold or pink tinsel.
Why Christmas Trees Smell Like Pine
- Christmas tree scent (pinene) is a terpene released by conifers as a defensive chemical against insects and fungi.
- That smell evolved as a damage signal and repellent, not to make humans feel festive.