JOURNAL ARTICLE

Artificial 'nose' tells people when certain smells are present: Technology that uses a less known sensory system to substitute for olfaction could one day help anosmic people detect some odors.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Offord, Catherine 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses a proof-of-concept device designed to help individuals with anosmia, or loss of smell, detect certain odors by utilizing the trigeminal nerve instead of the olfactory pathway. Researchers developed a system that encodes odors into electrical signals, which are then delivered through electrodes placed in the nose. Initial experiments showed that participants could feel the electrical stimulations and, with training, might learn to associate specific patterns with different smells. While the technology shows promise for applications such as alerting anosmic individuals to hazardous odors, it is not expected to replicate the full experience of smell or evoke associated emotions and memories. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/11, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:189638650
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