Huberman Lab
Dr. Noam Sobel: How Smells Influence Our Hormones, Health & Behavior
May 1, 2023
Dr. Noam Sobel, a leading neurobiologist from the Weizmann Institute of Science, dives into the fascinating world of olfaction. He discusses how smell influences our emotions, hormones, and even social interactions, revealing its role in determining physiological and psychological connections with others. Sobel also highlights his lab's innovative research on digitizing scents for digital communication and how olfactory testing could aid in diagnosing diseases. Prepare to rethink the power of your sense of smell and its impact on everyday life!
03:10:02
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Quick takeaways
- Humans have an incredible sense of smell capable of detecting odors at very low concentrations, surpassing most instruments.
- The alternating airflow through the nostrils in the nasal cycle, influenced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, may impact brain function.
Deep dives
Humans have a remarkable sense of smell
Humans have an incredible sense of smell, capable of detecting odors at very low concentrations. For example, our detection threshold for certain odors is 0.2 parts per billion, which surpasses the capabilities of most instruments. Humans also have the ability to track scent trails, similar to dogs. This was demonstrated in an experiment where participants followed a scent trail blindfolded and were able to do so successfully. Additionally, humans undergo a nasal cycle, where airflow alternates between the nostrils every two and a half hours on average. This nasal cycle is influenced by the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and it has been found to be linked to autonomic arousal.
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