Student Article
The Science of Smell: How Our Nose Understands Odors
Molecule (noun): A very small piece of matter made up of atoms.
Receptor (noun): A part of the body that receives signals like smells or sounds.
Smells are all around us — let’s explore how they work!
How your nose knows what you’re smelling
Have you ever smelled a flower or your favorite food? That smell comes from tiny things called odor molecules floating in the air. When you sniff, they go up your nose and reach special smell sensors called receptors. These send messages to your brain to tell you what you're smelling. Your brain figures out the smell, like roses or popcorn!
Your brain uses patterns to recognize scents
Everyone smells things a little differently. Some smells tell us something is bad, like spoiled food or stinky socks. Others are nice, like cookies or clean clothes. A smell can even remind you of a happy memory or place.
Why we love some smells and hate others
So why does fresh popcorn smell great, but rotten eggs make us gag? Scientists say it depends on where we are and what we’ve learned. For example, a smelly cheese and throw-up might have the same kind of molecule — but in a kitchen, it might smell tasty!
Some people can’t smell certain things
Sometimes, people lose their sense of smell. This can happen if you have a cold or hurt your nose. It can make food taste boring and the world feel strange. Some people do smell training with oils like lemon or mint to help get their smell back.
© Anand Jagatia / Our Media
Molecule (noun): A very small piece of matter made up of atoms.
Receptor (noun): A part of the body that receives signals like smells or sounds.