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Nose's response to odors more than just a simple sum of parts

Research from Kyushu University shows that odors can activate or suppress the response of olfactory sensory neurons in mice, leading to complex interactions and synergy when mixing odors. This study provides new insights into how our perception of odors is tuned from the moment they are detected in the nose.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 2020

Masks, PPE materials should be hydrophilic

Researchers found that making masks and PPE with hydrophilic surfaces can reduce the drying time of droplets, cutting COVID-19 infection risk in half. A superhydrophobic surface requires more extreme modification to achieve optimal results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 11, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Scientists decode how the brain senses smell

Researchers have decoded the brain's smell-processing center, identifying a code for converting sensory information into perception. By manipulating nerve signaling, they found changes in glomeruli activation led to significant drops in odor recognition accuracy, with timing and order crucial for correct detection.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Humans have beneficial bacteria uniquely adapted for life in our noses

A study published in Cell Reports suggests that lactobacilli have a niche in the human nose and may play a role in preventing chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. Researchers developed a proof-of-concept nasal spray that delivered lactobacillus to the nose, colonizing healthy volunteers' upper respiratory tracts without adverse effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 26, 2020

Your nose may know more when it comes to COVID-19

Researchers found anosmia without nasal obstruction highly predictive of COVID-19. The study suggests that the nose's role in COVID-19 is crucial, as the virus produces mucus containing it in the nasal lining.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalLaryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology·DateApr 14, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Suffering from skin damage from face masks?

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield urge caution on wearing face masks, warning of potential skin damage through sweating and friction. Experts recommend keeping skin clean, well-hydrated, and moisturized to prevent pressure ulcers and infections.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Wound Care·DateApr 3, 2020

Solving the knotty question of soft-pretzel aroma

The distinctive scent of soft pretzels is attributed to two key odorants: 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. These compounds contribute to the caramel-like and roasty popcorn-like smells of pretzels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2019

Elephants' quantitative ability may be rooted in olfaction

A study found that elephants can distinguish between quantities of food using their sense of smell, improving performance with quantity differences and degrading with ratio increases. This discovery may aid conservation efforts in regions where elephant habitats overlap with human settlements.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Half a face enough for recognition technology

Researchers from the University of Bradford have developed a facial recognition system that can accurately identify individuals even when only half or three-quarters of their face is visible. The study found that the bottom half of the face, eyes, and nose were most useful for recognition.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalFuture Generation Computer Systems·DateMay 1, 2019

Scientists provide new insight on how the nose adapts to smells

Scientists have developed a model that explains how the nose adapts to smells by efficiently coding patterns across receptor types, which could aid research into age-related declines in sense of smell. The study's findings contribute to understanding how the mammalian nose senses and processes smells.

SourceeLife·DateFeb 26, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Electrical stimulation in the nose induces sense of smell in human subjects

Physicians at Massachusetts Eye and Ear successfully induced a sense of smell in human subjects by stimulating nerves in the olfactory bulb. The breakthrough opens doors for developing implant technology to restore smell in those who have lost it, with potential applications in treating anosmia.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateNov 27, 2018

Duke forms prototype of robot dog nose

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

The smell of lavender is relaxing, science confirms

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience confirms the potent relaxing effects of lavender and its active compound linalool. The research suggests that the scent of linalool must be smelled, not absorbed, to exert its calming effects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2018

Nose breathing enhances memory consolidation

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that nose breathing enhances memory consolidation. Researchers compared the effects of nose and mouth breathing during a one-hour consolidation period after participants were exposed to various odors. Nose breathers showed increased odor recognition, suggesting that nose breathing may facilit...

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

NYITCOM at A-State professor lends anatomy expertise to solve ancient mystery

Researchers used computer-based methods to compare the physiological behavior of Neanderthals to today's humans, finding that their noses were able to transport twice as much air to the lungs than modern humans. This unique feature allowed Neanderthals to thrive in Ice Age environments and power their more strenuous lifestyle.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·DateApr 18, 2018

Super sniffer: Dog's nose inspires new gas sensor materials

Researchers have developed graphene-based nanoscrolls with a large surface area, stability at high temperatures and durability. The material mimics the capillary structure in a dog's nose to detect odors at extremely low concentrations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 7, 2018

Fifteen new genes identified that shape our face

Researchers have identified 15 new genes that play a crucial role in shaping our facial features. The discovery was made using a novel approach that analyzed DNA data from large databases of faces. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in forensic analysis and reconstructive surgery, enabling doctors to use DNA to recreate lost faces.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 19, 2018

What's that smell? The advantage of sniffing

Researchers found that precise timing patterns of brain activity distinguish between airflow-driven mechanical signals and those generated by odors. This discovery demonstrates the neural code underlying olfaction, revealing how neurons differentiate between air-flow information and odor information.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateDec 6, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Bioelectronic 'nose' can detect food spoilage by sensing the smell of death

A new bioelectronic 'nose' has been developed to detect food spoilage by sensing the presence of cadaverine, a compound responsible for the stench of rotting bodies. The detector, which uses nanodiscs and carbon nanotube transistors, is selective and sensitive for cadaverine at low levels, enabling early detection of food spoilage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 6, 2017

Odors can be measured by analytical chemistry

Researchers from Aarhus University create convincing model to predict and quantify odorants in the atmosphere, reducing nuisance and improving odor abatement solutions. The technique uses precise measurements of odorant content for on-site assessments, offering a more accurate alternative to human olfactory evaluations.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 21, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How does a machine smell? Better than it did

Researchers at the University of Manchester and University of Bari have created a biosensor that can differentiate between mirror image smells. The system uses odorant binding proteins to detect unique chemical changes, approaching human nose detection limits.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2015

How the fruit fly could help us sniff out drugs and bombs

Researchers at University of Sussex have found that fruit flies can identify odours from illicit drugs and explosive substances as accurately as wine, a natural attractant. The study brings scientists closer to developing electronic noses (e-noses) that closely replicate the sensitive olfactory sense of animals.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateOct 14, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Humans can distinguish at least 1 trillion different odors

Researchers have found that humans are capable of discriminating between an vast number of complex odors, with estimates suggesting at least 1 trillion possible scents. This new understanding challenges the long-held assumption that humans can only detect around 10,000 different smells.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2014

The big male nose

A University of Iowa study found that men's noses are about 10 percent larger than female noses, on average, in populations of European descent. The size difference is attributed to the sexes' different builds and energy demands.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateNov 18, 2013

An electronic nose can tell pears and apples apart

A team of engineers from Sweden and Spain has developed an electronic nose with 32 sensors that can identify the distinct odors of pears and apples. The device uses metal oxide semiconductors to detect volatile compounds and processes data through classification algorithms.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalSensors and Actuators A Physical·DateMay 8, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The nose's unheralded neighbor

Researchers discovered that maxillary sinuses change size to accommodate different climates, affecting nasal cavity shape and function. The study found a significant correlation between nose size and sinus volume in both African and European populations.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateMar 12, 2013

Animals learn to fine-tune their sniffs

Researchers found that animals can adjust their sniffs to target specific odors in complex blends. The study showed that rats learned to detect highly absorbent odors more quickly than less absorbent ones, highlighting the importance of physical properties and sniffing techniques in olfaction.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateOct 30, 2012
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

In recognizing faces, the whole is not greater than the sum of its parts

Researchers found that people's performance in recognizing a whole face is no better than their performance with individual features shown alone. The optimal Bayesian integrator model predicts this result, suggesting that relationships among facial features do not enhance information processing, contradicting the 'holistic' theory.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 9, 2012

I recognize you! But how did I do it?

Researchers found that Malaysian Chinese use a unique mixed strategy to recognize faces, focusing on the eyes and nose more than the mouth, which proved advantageous for accurate recognition of Chinese and Caucasian faces.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 13, 2012

Why do some people never forget a face?

A new study by Beijing Normal University cognitive psychologist Jia Liu and colleagues found that holistic processing is critical to face recognition. Individuals who perform well in tasks measuring holistic processing, such as the composite-face effect and whole-part effect, also excel at recognizing faces.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 2, 2011

Labor or conservative? It's all in the eye of the beholder

Researchers create computerized caricatures of idealized faces for Labour and Conservative MPs based on participants' perceptions. The study finds that the public's perception of an MP's face influences their political affiliation

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPerception·DateOct 6, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Preservative-free nasal spray appears safe, remains sterile

A preservative-free, acidified nasal spray was found to be safe and effective at maintaining sterility in a small-scale study. The researchers evaluated the spray's impact on symptoms and microbial growth, finding no significant differences between the preservative-free and preservative-containing options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 15, 2010

New species of multihorned dinosaurs unearthed in Utah

Two new species of horned dinosaurs, Utahceratops gettyi and Kosmoceratops richardsoni, have been found in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The discovery provides insight into the biogenographic provinciality of Western North American dinosaur communities.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 23, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Bees recognize human faces using feature configuration

Researchers found that bees can learn to recognize the arrangement of human facial features on a face, but not individual humans. The insects use this strategy to distinguish between face-like and non-face patterns.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 29, 2010

Our brain looks at eyes first to identify a face

A study by Matthias S. Keil found that the brain extracts key information for facial identification primarily from the eyes, while the mouth and nose are secondary. The analysis suggests that faces are responsible for the brain's resolution preference, with a optimum resolution of around 30x30 pixels.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 20, 2009

A woman's nose knows body odor

Women outperform men in detecting body odors, particularly those from the opposite sex. The study suggests that human sweat conveys information of particular importance to females, explaining why it is challenging to block women's perception of sweat odors.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalFlavour and Fragrance Journal·DateApr 7, 2009
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

When you look at a face, you look nose first

UC San Diego computer scientists found that people first fixate on the left of the center of the nose and then the center of the nose to determine if a face is familiar. Looking at two spots, such as the nose and eye, does not improve recognition, but allows for better performance. Understanding how humans recognize faces may help crea...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 27, 2008

The nose knows: 2 fixation points needed for face recognition

Researchers studied how our brains process faces and found that looking at the nose is crucial for face recognition. The study showed that making two fixations, rather than one, leads to better performance in recognizing faces.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2008

Heroes help others after lives restored through plastic surgery

Four recipients of the ASPS Patients of Courage award have undergone extensive reconstructive plastic surgeries to restore their appearance. Erin Williams, Rachel Cooney, Missy Fish, and Sgt. Robert Bartlett use their experiences to help others struggling with life's obstacles.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·DateOct 8, 2008

MIT paves way to 'artificial nose'

Researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of smell by mass-producing olfactory receptors. This advance could lead to the development of artificial noses for various settings, including medicine and industry. The innovation involves isolating and purifying protein structures using a novel method.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2008

No more big stink: scent lures mosquitoes, but humans can't smell it

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a low-cost, easy-to-prepare attractant that lures blood-fed mosquitoes without causing human discomfort. The synthetic mixture of trimethylamine and nonanal is equivalent to current attractants but odorless to humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2008
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

In lean times, flies can't survive without their sense of smell

Researchers found that fruit flies with a normal sense of smell had a survival advantage over odor-blind ones in experiments. In tests where food was scarce, the sense of smell proved crucial for finding food, leading to massive competition disadvantage for odor-blind flies.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 31, 2008

Sniffing out danger

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that a single negative experience linked to an odor rapidly teaches us to identify and discriminate it from similar ones. The study found specific changes in brain regions enhancing perceptual sensitivity for smells with high biological relevance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2008