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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

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...

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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