Young people prefer tech to smell; Study links scent to health
According to a 2011 study cited by the Science Alert service, more than half of young people would rather give up their sense of smell than technology.
27 October 2024 16:41
A 2011 study revealed that over half of individuals aged 16-22 prefer to give up their sense of smell rather than technology such as phones or laptops. While smell might seem less important, scientists have discovered its impact on breathing. A team from the Weizmann Institute in Israel studied the airflow through the noses of 31 people with a sense of smell and 21 with anosmia.
The impact of smell on breathing
People with a sense of smell took more breaths, which may help diagnose anosmia. Losing the sense of smell, such as after COVID-19, is not a trivial symptom. Lack of smell can increase the risk of death and make it difficult to detect dangers like fires or spoiled food.
Breathing changes
The study found that individuals with a sense of smell exhibit a specific breathing pattern, with double or triple "peaks" in inhalation. While it is unclear what this implies, it may affect physical and mental health. The brain is closely linked to breathing and can influence thinking, mood, and memory.
Potential consequences
Researchers suggest that changes in breathing might affect health. Future studies may provide more insights into this phenomenon and its impact on well-being.
For now, it’s worth appreciating the importance of smell for our overall well-being. Scientists are continuing research on how this valuable human sense affects health. The study mentioned by Science Alert was published in Nature Communications.
