Huberman Lab Dr. Noam Sobel: How Smells Influence Our Hormones, Health & Behavior
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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!
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Human Olfaction & Nasal Cycle
- Humans have a remarkable sense of smell, comparable to dogs, and can track scents with surprising accuracy.
- The alternating nasal cycle, where airflow shifts between nostrils, reflects the autonomic nervous system's balance.
Scent Tracking Experiment
- Andrew Huberman observed an experiment at UC Berkeley where people tracked scents on their hands and knees.
- This experiment, by Noam Sobel's lab, demonstrated humans' ability to follow scent trails effectively, even underground.
Social Sensing
- Humans constantly sense chemicals from others, subconsciously processing information about their physiology and psychology.
- This "social sensing" impacts emotions, decisions, and relationships, influencing who we connect with.