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New sensor sniffs out look-alike molecules in the air

Researchers developed a new type of gas sensor that can identify different types of air components by recognizing tiny structural differences in common volatile compounds. The sensor, which uses custom-built sugar-based receptors, shows promise for future non-invasive medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and quality control.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2025

Surgery to treat chronic sinus disease more effective than antibiotics

A major clinical trial led by University College London has found that surgery is more effective than long-term use of antibiotics in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. The study, which involved over 500 patients, showed that sinus surgery significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for those who underwent the procedure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2025

Nasal swab tests predict COVID-19 disease severity, Emory study finds

Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool called FlowBEAT to measure antibodies in nasal cavities, finding that more than 70% of people with mild or moderate COVID-19 develop protective autoantibodies in the nose. These autoantibodies may play a role in regulating the immune system and preventing excessive inflammation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Can an artificial nose detect food spoilage?

A new artificial olfactory system, integrated on a single chip, detects food spoilage by identifying low levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases. The system tracks freshness scores in real-time during the spoilage process.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 5, 2023

How the cat nose knows what it’s smelling

Researchers created a detailed analysis of the domestic cat's nasal airway, revealing two distinct regions of air flow during inhalation. The study suggests that the cat nose functions as an efficient dual-purposed gas chromatograph, capable of detecting and separating chemicals quickly and efficiently.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

Can humans ‘Sniff out’ the secrets to the sense of smell?

A group of researchers from Osaka University has shown that the segregated function of a messenger ion (Ca2+) can help improve our sense of smell. The study reveals that Ca2+ signaling plays a crucial role in regulating the amplification and reduction of sensory signals, and its processes are clearly segregated within a tiny structure ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Mothers’ alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy is linked to changes in children’s face shapes

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and changes in children's facial features. The research used AI to analyze three-dimensional images of children's faces at ages nine and thirteen, revealing that mothers' alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy can h...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

The neural cartography of smell

A study published in Cell reveals that the shape of receptor proteins determines axon targeting precision in mice, helping explain how olfactory neurons send signals to specific glomeruli. This discovery could lead to early detection of olfactory deficits and understanding of brain function.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Marijuana use, sinonasal symptoms in adults

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 28, 2022

Scent dogs detect coronavirus reliably from skin swabs

A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that scent detection dogs can accurately identify individuals with a coronavirus infection from skin swabs. The dogs' sensitivity and specificity were 92%, with only small differences in accuracy observed between individual dogs.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2022

Humans and other primates have evolved less sensitive noses

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Darwin’s short-beak enigma solved

A study by University of Utah biologists discovered a mutation in the ROR2 gene is linked to short beak length in domestic pigeons. This mutation also underlies the human disorder Robinow syndrome, which shares striking facial features with the pigeon phenotype.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Humans evolved to be the water-saving ape

A new study reveals that humans use 30% to 50% less water per day than chimpanzees and gorillas. This finding suggests an ancient shift in the human body's ability to conserve water, enabling early humans to venture farther from streams in search of food.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2021