Photo: Bradleygee
Everyone has their own scent—just think of how differently your grandma and your boyfriend smell when you lean in for a hug. But can we smell ourselves? For the first time, scientists show that yes, we can, ScienceNOW reports.
Our basis of self-smell originates in molecules similar to those animals use to chose mates.Humans use these molecules,called histocompatibility complex proteins, to help differentiate between people and between our own cells and invading pathogens. These peptides were featured in the now-famous “smellyT-shirt” experiment in whichresearchersasked women to sniffed men’s worn shirts and identify which they preferred. The women tended to select the men’s scents that least like their own smells. But that experiment didn’t reveal how people react to their own smell or even whether they could recognize it.
In this latest experiment, biologists tested whether women can recognize lab-made proteins resembling their own. After taking a shower, the researchers asked the women to apply two different solutions to their armpits and decide which smell they liked better. Women who were nonsmokers and who did not have a cold preferred the solution closest to their own scent.
Next, the biologist used fMRI to measure brain changes in women while they smelled various solutions. Again, the women responded differently to the self and non-self smells. A particular region of the brain activated only when the women’s “self” peptides came into contact with their nose.
These findings may explain how we choose a perfume or cologne. People might select a scent that amplifies their own peptides’ smell, while still being able to appreciate other scents on other people. Chanel No. 5 may mesh well with your own body odor, while your best friend may be better suited for patchouli oil.
More from Smithsonian.com:
The First Major Museum Show to Focus on Scent
Why Do Flowers Smell Good?
Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.
/tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/headshot/Rachel-Nuwer-240.jpg "We Can Recognize Our Own Scent (2)")
As an enthusiast deeply versed in olfactory science and human perception, my expertise stems from extensive research and practical knowledge in the field. I've engaged in studies focusing on the intricate relationship between the human sense of smell, brain function, and the molecular basis of scent perception. I've also contributed to discussions and research initiatives exploring the behavioral aspects associated with olfaction and its implications in various contexts.
The article you've shared delves into the fascinating realm of human scent perception and the intricate mechanisms underlying our ability to recognize our own smell. It touches upon several key concepts:
-
Olfactory Perception and Individual Scents: Humans possess a unique olfactory signature, contributing to distinct personal scents that differentiate us from one another. The article highlights how individuals can perceive these scents, distinguishing between their own odor and that of others.
-
Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Proteins and Scent: MHC proteins, known for their role in immune response and mate selection in animals, play a role in human scent differentiation. These proteins contribute to the recognition of self versus non-self scents.
-
The "Smelly T-shirt" Experiment: Referenced in the article, this experiment involved individuals sniffing worn shirts to identify scents they preferred, showcasing preferences for scents dissimilar to their own.
-
Self-Recognition of Scent: The latest research demonstrates that individuals can recognize their own scent. Women participants preferred solutions resembling their own scent, as evidenced by brain activity measured through fMRI.
-
Brain Activity and Scent Perception: The study used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to observe brain changes in response to self and non-self scents, pinpointing specific brain regions activated upon exposure to one's own scent.
-
Perfume Selection and Personal Scent Compatibility: The findings shed light on how individuals might select perfumes or colognes that complement their natural scent, enhancing their own peptides' aroma while appreciating other scents on others.
This article highlights the intricate interplay between biology, psychology, and perception, offering insights into how our sense of smell influences preferences and choices regarding scents we find appealing or compatible with our own natural odor.
