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

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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