Study Reveals Human Sense of Smell is Faster Than Previously Thought

New research shows humans can distinguish odor sequences within milliseconds, challenging long-held beliefs about olfactory processing speed.

Researchers developed a device that delivers two scents with millisecond precision, allowing for precise control over odor presentation.
The study involved 229 participants who could discern between two odors presented in quick succession, with a latency as short as 60 milliseconds.
Findings suggest that the human sense of smell operates at a speed comparable to color perception, refuting the idea that olfaction is a slow sense.
The study opens possibilities for therapeutic applications, such as olfactory training for patients with smell loss, and advancements in electronic noses.
Further research is needed to explore the sensitivity of the human sense of smell to a broader range of odor dynamics and compounds.