Modern Wisdom #257 - Harold McGee - The Science Of How Smells Work
Dec 12, 2020
Harold McGee, an acclaimed author and food expert, dives into the fascinating world of smell. He explains why our sense of smell may be the oldest sense and how it shapes our experiences. Listeners will be intrigued by discussions on the link between smell and taste, and how scents could revolutionize entertainment. McGee also shares surprising insights on unique fragrances, including ambergris from whales, and highlights the profound impact of odors on our emotions and culinary arts.
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Defining Smells
- Smells are perceptions generated in our brains, stimulated by molecules.
- Smell is the most direct contact with the world, giving information about things themselves.
Smell Manifestation
- Smells are perceived where the action is, like in the mouth when eating.
- Our brains relocate the sensation from the nose to where the food is.
Breathing and Smell
- Breathing technique impacts taste by controlling molecule intake.
- Sniffing helps identify smells by giving receptors and the brain more chances.
