Chemistry For Your Life Why do bad smells smell bad?
May 16, 2024
Explore the fascinating science behind why we perceive certain smells as bad. Discover why unpleasant odors linger while delightful scents fade away. Delve into the chemistry of thiols and their connection to rotten eggs, plus hear about the surprising role of copper in enhancing our sense of smell. The hosts sprinkle in personal anecdotes and fun facts, making the complex world of olfactory receptors engaging. Alongside their olfactory explorations, they even touch upon films, connecting the art of cinema to the wonders of chemistry.
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Dog's Powerful Nose
- Melissa describes how her dog's strong sense of smell led him to damage her backpack.
- He was searching for residual food smells in empty Tupperware.
Olfactory Receptors and Sensitivity
- Humans possess around 400 active olfactory receptors, compared to 1,000 in mice.
- We are significantly more sensitive to thiols (sulfur compounds) than alcohols.
Thiol Sensitivity and Survival
- Humans are 100 million times more sensitive to thiols than alcohols due to survival instincts.
- Thiols are present in rotten food, animal carcasses, and some poisonous gases.