Neuroscience

Researchers identify neurons that 'learn' to smell a threat

Whether conscious of it or not, when entering a new space, we use our sense of smell to assess whether it is safe or a threat. In fact, for much of the animal kingdom, this ability is necessary for survival and reproduction. ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Exactly how many senses do we really have?

While the notion that people have five basic human senses is often considered a universal truth and can be traced back to Aristotle's "De Anima" ("On the Soul"), many philosophers and neuroscientists are now debating whether ...

Medical research

Researchers reveal an added layer of nuance in our sense of smell

The delicate fragrance of jasmine is a delight to the senses. The sweet scent is popular in teas, perfumes and potpourri. But take a whiff of the concentrated essential oil, and the pleasant aroma becomes almost cloying. ...

Neuroscience

Understanding Olfaction: An Interview with Elizabeth Hong

You walk by a bakery, smell the scent of fresh cookies, and are immediately reminded of baking with your grandmother as a child. The seemingly simple act of learning to associate a smell with a good or bad outcome is actually ...

Medical research

'Ninja parasites' elude immune response through molecular mimicry

(Medical Xpress)—In feudal-age Japan, cunning, unorthodox mercenaries known as ninjas were notorious for using disguise, deception, and stealth to infiltrate enemy fortifications. In the world of modern parasites, certain ...