The Daily The Sunday Read: 'The Forgotten Sense'
Jan 31, 2021
Explore the fascinating world of smell, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful. The podcast delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a renewed focus on this neglected sense, revealing personal stories of those affected by smell loss. Discover the science behind olfaction and its emotional significance, as well as the complexities of smell perception. Hear accounts of parosmia, where familiar scents become distorted, and learn how smell's role in health diagnostics is evolving, reshaping our understanding and appreciation of this 'forgotten sense'.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cabin Explosion Averted
- Brooke Jarvis almost caused a cabin explosion due to her anosmia, inability to smell.
- Her sister saved her by detecting the propane leak, highlighting the importance of smell.
Anosmia's Impact
- Smell is often overlooked, with Brooke Jarvis needing others to check if her clothes need washing.
- Anosmia, the inability to smell, highlights smell's crucial role in daily life.
Smell's Scientific Underpinnings
- Smell is less understood than other senses; receptors were discovered only in the 1990s.
- The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness and research on smell.