Tyler Lorig, Ph.D.

The world of smell is more, much more, than it seems. Most mammals (like us) have amazing olfactory abilities. Dogs are well known for searching out smells but humans seem to be very poor in knowing the world of odor. Many scientists think that we have evolved to a point where smell is no longer important and regard our olfactory system as "vestigial." Is this really true? It might be but many facts stand in the path of this conclusion. For instance, how much money did you spend on smells this week? "Zero," you say. "I don't like perfume." Do you like deodorant or soap or facial tissue or detergent or food? (Yes, many packaged foods have odors added to enhance their flavor). People in the U.S. spend about 100 billion dollars (not including foods) a year to make their world better smelling. That's a lot of money for something that is no longer important in our lives.

There are many amazing smell facts and we will have time only to tell a few stories but I think you'll like them.

In the mean time, sniff around a few of the links below to learn about our least loved sense.

The Olfactory Research Fund an organization devoted to understanding odor and its effects on people.

The Fragrance Foundation a non-profit organization providing information about fragrance and its uses.

Society for Neuroscience smell page a brief but excellent introduction to smell and the brain

A smell course from Wayne State University

Smell and taste problems from the Society of Otolarynologists

An introduction to the senses from the Howard Hughes Medical Center - Excellent site

Aging and your sense of smell a little practical info from California

Smelly experiments for kids Things you really can try at home.

Pheromones in the news - a recent article from Time

The worlds leading center for smell and taste research

Smell info for kids A great introduction for the younger set.

Please visit my lab here at Washington and Lee.