Chapter
The Science of Smell and How it Affects Our Behavior
53:11 - 1:03:10 (09:58)
The human sense of smell can impact our brain activity and behavior in various ways, from triggering alertness to assessing brain function, and can even be influenced by our genes.
Clips
Sniffing is used by clinicians to assess a person's brain activity, but during REM sleep, our ability to wake up in response to odors is diminished due to sleepatonia, a healthy paralysis that prevents acting out dreams.
53:11 - 56:24 (03:13)
Summary
Sniffing is used by clinicians to assess a person's brain activity, but during REM sleep, our ability to wake up in response to odors is diminished due to sleepatonia, a healthy paralysis that prevents acting out dreams.
ChapterThe Science of Smell and How it Affects Our Behavior
EpisodeHow Smell, Taste & Pheromone-Like Chemicals Control You
PodcastHuberman Lab
Wake-up smelling salts trigger specific neurons in the brain that promote alertness and arousal, similar to a cold shower or sudden surprise.
56:24 - 58:43 (02:19)
Summary
Wake-up smelling salts trigger specific neurons in the brain that promote alertness and arousal, similar to a cold shower or sudden surprise. While scents like peppermint can increase attention, caution should be taken when using smelling salts too close to ammonia as it can damage the olfactory pathway.
ChapterThe Science of Smell and How it Affects Our Behavior
EpisodeHow Smell, Taste & Pheromone-Like Chemicals Control You
PodcastHuberman Lab
Some people have a gene that makes them sensitive to a putrid odor within microwave popcorn, causing them to find the smell repulsive.
58:43 - 1:00:36 (01:53)
Summary
Some people have a gene that makes them sensitive to a putrid odor within microwave popcorn, causing them to find the smell repulsive.
ChapterThe Science of Smell and How it Affects Our Behavior
EpisodeHow Smell, Taste & Pheromone-Like Chemicals Control You
PodcastHuberman Lab
The type of scents that we find pleasant or unpleasant can be linked to our genetic makeup and the activity of our olfactory neurons, according to a podcast host.
1:00:36 - 1:03:10 (02:33)
Summary
The type of scents that we find pleasant or unpleasant can be linked to our genetic makeup and the activity of our olfactory neurons, according to a podcast host.