Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.
Researchers found that mosquitoes have co-expressed receptors in their neurons, allowing them to detect multiple types of human odors. This redundancy makes it difficult to eliminate mosquito attraction to humans using repellents or other methods.
Regular cannabis use is associated with a decreased likelihood of having sinonasal symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and changes in smell in adults. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism behind worm olfaction, revealing how they discriminate between over 1,300 scents despite having only 32 olfactory neurons. The discovery involves the conserved protein arrestin, which helps fine-tune multiple sensations in both worms and humans.
Researchers at UNIGE found that olfactory neurons change their identity based on expressed receptors and past experiences. The study reveals a wide range of identities among these neurons, which adapt rapidly to different levels of stimulation.
Male mice exhibit increased stress hormones and decreased pain sensitivity when near pregnant or lactating females, which is linked to a specific olfactory signal. This finding has significant implications for improving experiment reliability and represents a breakthrough in mammalian social signaling.
Researchers have created a 'worm-on-a-chip' device that uses roundworms to detect lung cancer cells, showing 70% accuracy. The device could potentially help doctors diagnose cancer at an earlier stage non-invasively.
Researchers found that mosquitoes' odor sensors shut down when forced to produce odor-related proteins, ignoring common insect repellents. This 'expression' process allows mosquitoes to adapt to their surroundings and avoids human scents.
A study found that humans have evolved less sensitive noses compared to other primates, with genetic variations affecting scent perception. Researchers screened the genomes of over 1,000 Han Chinese people and an ethnically diverse population to identify novel genetic variants associated with odor detection.
Scientists have identified a peripheral mechanism that allows fruit flies to quickly assess complex odors without costly synaptic computation. The fly's olfactory receptor neurons communicate through electrical interactions, enabling an energy-saving way to process meaningful odor blends.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that macrophages in artery walls can sense octanal, leading to inflammation and atherosclerosis. By blocking this detection, they reversed disease progression. Further research is needed to explore the role of olfactory receptors in cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhibiting the OR5B21 gene significantly decreased breast cancer metastasis to the brain, bones and lung. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets to prevent or delay breast cancer's spread.
Researchers find SARS-CoV-2 infects sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium of COVID-19 patients, replicating vigorously within these cells. The virus does not appear to infect nerve cells, instead affecting sensory neurons indirectly through insufficient support from sustentacular cells.
A recent study estimates that between 700,000 and 1.6 million US individuals have experienced a lasting loss or change in their sense of smell due to SARS-CoV-2. The analysis suggests that these individuals may be experiencing chronic COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction.
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain and affect neural function, leading to symptoms like headache, depression, and fatigue. Many people experience lingering cognitive or neurological problems months after initial recovery.
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology have identified the 'caramel receptor', which recognizes furaneol, a natural odorant found in fruits and coffee. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of molecular coding of food flavors.
Researchers studied insect olfactory system to improve repellent design and drug screening. They found that chemoreceptor tuning depends on ligand-binding subunit identity, revealing diverse molecular mechanisms. These findings have potential applications in 'mammalian' chemogenetics and insect-based research.
Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.
Olfactory receptors respond to a variety of odors by binding to large numbers of different molecules, rather than specific chemical features. The team discovered that the amino acids lining the pocket don't form strong chemical bonds with odorants, but instead recognize their general chemical nature.
Researchers have identified an olfactory receptor that selectively recognizes pyrazines, a type of volatile substance found in food and contributing to animal communication. This discovery could lead to the development of biobased artificial noses for monitoring sensory quality and authenticity of food.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a specific ingredient in pyrethrum, a centuries-old natural insecticide, that helps mosquitoes avoid its toxic effects. The compound, called EBF, activates a smell receptor in the mosquito's antenna, making it unappealing to the insects and helping to prevent bites.
A team of scientists has identified key odorants responsible for musty and moldy-smoky cocoa flavors using a molecular sensory science concept. The research provides an objective method to assess fermented cocoa's sensory quality based on odorant concentrations, benefiting the food industry with reliable identification of off-flavors.
Researchers have identified address codes in odorant receptor proteins that ensure targeted binding to the cell surface. These
A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics shows that dim red light enhances the mating and egg-laying behaviors of yellow peach moths by selectively activating a genetic pathway related to olfaction. This increase in sensitivity is made possible due to the unique properties of odorant binding proteins secreted by auxiliary cells s...
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a highly sensitive biohybrid olfactory sensor that can detect odor molecules in the air. The sensor uses insect olfactory receptors reconstituted into lipid bilayers and has been shown to detect concentrations as low as parts per billion.
Weizmann Institute of Science researchers create framework to map smells based on molecular structure, enabling prediction of scent similarity. The system, developed by neurobiologists, computer scientists, and a master perfumer, can digitize and reproduce smells on command.
Researchers found sequence variants that influence how people perceive and describe fish, licorice, and cinnamon odors. The study identified three genes, including TAAR5, which affects perception of fish odor containing trimethylamine, as well as common olfactory gene variants influencing licorice and cinnamon sensitivity.
A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers uses new technology to identify receptors responsible for encoding the complex odor of cigarette smoke. The study's findings could lead to the development of blockers to improve smoking cessation rates, which are notoriously low.
A Chinese-German research team identified two olfactory receptors that detect isothiocyanates from cruciferous plants, guiding female diamondback moths to lay eggs on these plants. The discovery offers approaches to control the pest using attractants or chemical agents to interrupt perception of isothiocyanates.
Researchers at UT Institute of Agriculture use gas chromatography-olfactometry to identify 49 odorants in Tennessee whiskey, including nine new discoveries. The study reveals that the Lincoln County Process decreases malty and rancid aromas while retaining desirable flavors.
A team of researchers at UC Riverside used machine learning to understand what chemicals smell like, predicting how any chemical will smell to humans. This breakthrough technology has vast applications in the food, flavor, and fragrance industries, including discovering new flavors and insect repellents.
Researchers found that human participants consistently biased their movements toward a perceived stronger odor source, even when unable to report nostril detection. The study suggests that humans navigate with stereo olfaction, similar to the binocular and binaural senses that enable 3D perception.
Researchers found that specific odors can dynamically regulate fat mobilization by interacting with olfactory neurons, promoting the loss or gain of fat storage. This discovery may help understand why some people are more resistant to metabolic problems while others are more vulnerable.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative's SCAPE microscopy technique allows researchers to observe large volumes of tissue in 3D, revealing more complex interactions between nerve cells responding to mixed odors. This breakthrough has implications for understanding how the brain perceives smells and may lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
A study by Fraunhofer IVV, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, and University of Alicante found that separating packaging waste from household waste reduces off-odors in plastic recyclates. The researchers identified over 60 odor-causing substances and found that washing post-consumer LDPE shopping bags at 60 degrees reduced overall odors.
A new study reveals that flavorings containing benzaldehyde can form benzene when exposed to light, posing a risk to consumer health. The long-term solution lies in protecting these flavorings from light, particularly during production and storage.
Scientists identified a previously unappreciated neurotransmitter system in the brain, which interacts with specific receptors to control emotions and behaviors. The discovery suggests new treatments for depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.
The durian tree emits a potent smell due to the amino acid ethionine, which is released by a plant-specific enzyme during fruit ripening. The amino acid has been linked to liver damage and cancer in animal tests, but low concentrations may have positive immunomodulatory effects.
Scientists have resolved the structure of an essential protein for insect smell, suggesting that millions of odor receptors evolved to suit different lifestyles and habitats. The protein Orco forms a common channel with many odor receptors, allowing for diverse adaptations.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to computationally design the optimal gas sensor array using metal-organic frameworks. This enables the creation of an electronic nose for detecting air pollutants and diagnosing diseases by measuring gases in a patient's breath. The framework assesses how well different co...
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified a key player in fruit fly olfactory processing that amplifies courtship signals in male flies. The discovery of PPK25, a sodium-ion channel, reveals a critical role in regulating pheromone sensitivity and promotes courtship behavior when flies are most fertile.
Scientists at TUM and Leibniz-Institute developed a new methodology for simultaneous analysis of odorants and tastants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. This approach enables fast and precise food analysis, which is crucial for manufacturers to guarantee consistent sensory quality.
A recent study from the Monell Center sheds light on individual differences in odor perception, finding that small changes in olfactory receptor genes can significantly impact how strong and pleasant an odor is. The research used high-throughput sequencing technology to identify genetic variations affecting odor perception.
Scientists from the Monell Center have discovered that humans possess functional olfactory receptors in their taste cells, challenging the long-held belief that smell and taste are independent sensory systems. This groundbreaking finding may lead to the development of odor-based taste modifiers to combat diet-related diseases.
Researchers have identified key compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma of Tennessee whiskey. By studying the effects of the Lincoln County Process, distilleries can optimize their production to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Researchers at Columbia University have uncovered a striking resourcefulness in the genome that coordinates gene regulation to detect diverse scents. By rearranging its structure in three-dimensional space, the genome generates biological diversity needed for the nose to parse an infinite number of scents.
A new study by the University of Konstanz and the University of Sussex found that animals can detect complex odor mixtures more quickly and reliably than individual pure compounds. This suggests that our olfactory systems may be better suited to handle mixed smells, which are a common aspect of our environment.
A recent study by University of Sussex researchers found that animals are more adept at detecting complex mixed odorants than individual pure ingredients. This discovery has significant implications for the development of artificial systems that can mimic animal senses, such as detecting drugs and explosives or improving food safety th...
Researchers at Duke University have created a prototype of an artificial 'robot nose' device that uses living mouse cells to detect target odors, including cocaine and explosives. The device aims to mimic the human sense of smell and potentially replace trained dogs in security applications.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Arizona State University develop mathematical model to organize odor molecules by frequency of co-occurrence in nature, mapping pleasant directions. This breakthrough enables construction of artificial pleasant odor mixtures, with potential implications for understanding diseases like Parkinson's.
A new study describes the structure of an ion channel responsible for detecting odors in insects, revealing how millions of receptor varieties evolved to accommodate diverse habitats. The discovery offers insights into insect olfaction and evolution, potentially leading to innovations for disease prevention and human benefit.
A genomic study reveals that insects' ability to detect airborne odors evolved long before wings and was an adaptation for terrestrial life. All insect species examined possess specialized odorant receptors, which were present at the beginning of insect evolution.
Research highlights the physiological and pathophysiological functions of olfactory receptors in human tissues, including their potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. The receptors also regulate skin regeneration, intestinal digestion, and hair growth.
Researchers found that activating olfactory receptor OR51E2 in prostate cancer cells causes aggressive castration-resistant disease, suggesting a new treatment approach. Blocking the receptor with specific molecules or scents could provide a new way to treat prostate cancer.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has discovered an olfactory receptor in human bladder tissue that may prove useful for bladder cancer therapy and diagnosis. The receptor, OR10H1, responds to sandalwood scents and inhibits tumour growth when activated.
Scientists found that a specific region of the Ataxin-2 protein helps form long-term memories but drives neurodegeneration in ALS. Flies with altered Ataxin-2 protein showed resistance to neurodegeneration and normal short-term memory, highlighting the importance of this protein region.
A Yale-led research group has identified two olfactory receptors that respond to musk compounds, which could advance the study of the pharmacological effects of musks. The discovery may have implications for understanding how human smell works at a molecular level and its impact on behavior.
Researchers from the University of Konstanz and Japan's Universities of Sapporo and Tokyo discovered a neural structure in cockroach brains that processes olfactory molecules with spatial information. This finding suggests that cockroaches can build an internal map of their olfactory landscape, similar to humans' sense of touch and sight.
Researchers identify Gr21a/Gr63a receptor as crucial to fruit fly attraction to polyamines, opening door to safer chemicals for controlling crop-damaging pests and disease-carrying mosquitoes. The discovery also reveals complex odor-processing mechanisms in insects.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine found that mammalian brains can distinguish between one odor and another in under 100 milliseconds, using fewer nerve signals than previously believed. This groundbreaking study has implications for our understanding of human olfaction and the potential for new treatments for smell disorders.