Short Wave

Smell Therapy

Apr 8, 2021

Sarah Zhang, a science reporter for The Atlantic known for her insights into the science of smell, discusses the lingering effects of COVID-19, particularly the loss of smell. She explores how smell training can aid recovery for those affected and shares the emotional journey of individuals, like Ruby Martinez, navigating their relationship with scents. The podcast dives into how olfactory experiences shape memories and emotions, illustrating the complex journey from loss to regaining this vital sense.

12:33

Creator website

Episode guests

Sarah Zhang

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Distortion of Familiar Scents

2min

Reclaiming the Lost Sense: The Journey of Smell Training

3min

Unlocking the Sense of Smell

6min

The Power of Smell: Memories and Emotions

2min

A curious symptom of COVID-19 that can stick with patients for a long time is loss of smell. Researchers don't know exactly how prevalent the loss of smell ism and while most people recover from it, some will not. This has given new life to a very specific treatment: smell training. Emily Kwong talks to the Atlantic's science reporter Sarah Zhang about how practicing how to smell might help those who've lost their sense of smell.

For more on smell training, read Sarah's piece in The Atlantic.

You can email Short Wave at ShortWave@npr.org.

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