Listen in as scientists from the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia
discuss the scientific advancements and ongoing studies that are increasing our
understanding of taste, smell, and related senses — and why this is so exciting!
What is Sensory Science?
An overview of what sensory science is and why the scientific study of human taste, smell and other senses is so important.
Early Disease Diagnosis
Scientists are studying how smell and taste might be used as early indicators of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Impact of Genetics on Taste and Smell: Twin Research
Studies with identical twins help scientists understand the impact of genetics on our sense of taste and smell.
Taste Biology and Bitter Receptors
Scientists are using taste receptive biology to look for compounds that will block our bitter receptors, which will make things like medicines taste better.
Digitizing Taste and Smell
Scientists are developing a system to track and recreate specific smells to ultimately map human olfaction and identify the neurons used in detecting smell.
The Connection Between Taste and Smell
A simple way to demonstrate how smell and taste are connected is the Jelly Bean test.
The Mouth Feel Phenomenon
Scientists describe the phenomena of mouth feel and a third dimension to taste called chemical irritation, which allows us to perceive sensations like the carbonation of a beverage, the cool aspect of mint, the spiciness of chiles.
Sensory Nutrition
The study of sensory nutrition focuses on how the chemical senses of taste, smell and chemical irritation affect our dietary choices and ultimately our health.
The Brain Gut Connection
Scientists are studying the neural control of feeding behavior and the signals our body sends to our brain when processing and thinking about food.
Restoring a Sense of Smell
What happens when we lose our sense of smell? Scientists look to identify olfactory disorders and ways to restore a sense of smell.