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Student Article

The Science of Smell: How Our Nose Understands Odors

By: Anand Jagatia
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Why do smells affect us so strongly? Discover how our nose works, why we like or dislike certain scents, and what happens when we lose our sense of smell.

The article "The Science of Smell: How Our Nose Understands Odors" from BBC Science Focus is all about the fascinating world of smell. It explains how odor molecules trigger signals in our brain, why certain scents appeal to us or disgust us, and how losing our sense of smell can affect our daily lives.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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A view inside a filthy sewer
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Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400-600L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800-1000L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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