Instant Genius
Why smell is our most underrated sense
Jan 10, 2025
Jonas Olofsson, a Professor of Psychology at Stockholm University and author of "The Forgotten Sense," dives into the remarkable capabilities of the human sense of smell. He debunks myths about our olfactory abilities, revealing how humans are sophisticated sniffers. The conversation tackles the link between scent, memory, and emotion, explores how genetics and culture influence our odor perceptions, and discusses the fascinating world of pheromones. Olofsson also highlights the trained skill of sommeliers in identifying complex wine aromas.
32:25
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Quick takeaways
- Humans possess a sophisticated sense of smell that performs comparably to many animals, highlighting our evolved adaptability to detect odors.
- The sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, often triggering more intense recollections than visual or auditory stimuli.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Human Smell
Humans possess a surprisingly sophisticated sense of smell, contrary to the long-held belief that it is inferior to other animals. Research indicates that humans perform comparably to many species in detecting various odors, only surpassed by dogs. A systematic study compared the sensitivity of humans to other animals, revealing that humans are versatile and sensitive to a wide array of smells. This adaptability likely stems from evolutionary pressures that favored the ability to identify food sources and environmental hazards.
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