Humans Can Detect Over A Trillion Scents – Discover The Incredible Facts You Never Knew!

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There's so much we can do with our noses. Most people would consider scent detection as just any normal activity. In reality, it is much more complex and sophisticated. The olfactory system of human beings is sophisticated enough to detect more than a trillion scents, regardless of it being the perception of millions. Here’s a breakdown of this incredible ability in seven key points.

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Before this, people thought that a human could perceive ten thousand scents. However , a study conducted in Rockefeller University in the 2014, proved this number to be in the trillions. This study was a gamechanger and it did a great job in uncovering the mysteries of the olfactory system.

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When the person takes a breath, the odour molecules get attached to the receptors that are located inside the nose. The average person has around 400 kinds of olfactory receptors. Each receptor can respond to more than one molecule and consequently, one molecule can also stimulate several receptors.

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Another fascinating aspect of human memory is the processing of scent. Smell can trigger a plethora of emotional memories. In fact, it is more effective than sight and hearing. This can be attributed to the location of our nose which embraces the limbic system, affectionately known as the oldest part of the brain which is in control of emotions.

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Smell is essential for how we experience taste. As research continues to unfold, it states that about 80% of what we perceive as taste actually comes from our sense of smell.

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It's also vital in detecting dangers, such as gas leaks or smoke. Though often overlooked, it’s a silent guardian in our everyday experiences.

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Factors like genetics, our surroundings, and even what we eat can influence our sense of smell. Some folks are more attuned to certain scents, while others might not notice them at all—this phenomenon is called specific anosmia.