New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Smell of Parkinson’s finally identified, early detection test on the way

Rich Haridy March 20, 2019

A team of scientists has solved the mystery of the strange Parkinson's disease smell, revealing a number of skin-secreted volatile biomarkers can be detected in patients suffering from the disease. The next step for the research is to turn this discovery into an early-detection tool.

A woman who noticed her husband developed a distinctive smell has led to skin-secreted volatile biomarkers ...

VR Audio available

Vaqso aims to bring the smell of zombies to VR

Ben Coxworth November 21, 2018

In real life, you don't just see and hear things – you also smell them. Therefore, given that virtual reality (VR) headsets are meant to replicate real-world experiences, shouldn't they provide odors along with sights and sounds? That's the idea behind the smelly new Vaqso VR system.

The main Vaqso device is attached to the user's head via an adjustable velcro strap, and ...

Medical

Dogs sniff out malaria with 70% accuracy during research trial

Ben Coxworth October 29, 2018

Currently, in order to check if someone has malaria but isn't showing any symptoms yet, a blood sample has to be drawn and analyzed. Thanks to an ongoing research project, however, it may soon be possible to detect the disease on the spot within seconds – using sniffer dogs.

Since the initial study a third dog, a springer spaniel called Freya, has also been trained ...

Around The Home

Panasonic keeps it fresh with shoe deodorizer

Paul Ridden August 9, 2018

That unpleasant "cheesy" odor emanating from sneakers after a run is probably caused by bacteria on the skin that feed on sweat and produce isovaleric acid. You could try and mask the smell or use anti-bacterial soap on your feet, but Panasonic has another way – the MS-DS100 shoe deodorizer.

The MS-DS100 shoe deodorizer is designed to freshen up your footwear while you sleep

Robotics

Ground-sniffing robot may give tracker dogs a run for their money

Ben Coxworth June 21, 2018

Could scent-tracking sniffer dogs be out of a job? Well, perhaps eventually. Scientists from Japan's Kyushu University have developed a prototype robot that can detect and follow odors left on the ground, such as those deposited in footprints.

Science

Electronic nose could find its way into your phone

Ben Coxworth May 28, 2018

It's important for us to be able to detect odors such as those emitted by spoiled food. However, what if there were a low-cost "electronic nose" that was better at detecting those things, providing us with an earlier warning? That's what's being developed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

The prototype smelldect electronic nose sensor

Science

Smells like malaria: Study finds body odor markers can identify infection

Rich Haridy May 14, 2018

Diagnosing symptomatic carriers of malaria is difficult enough, needing careful examination of blood samples, but picking up asymptomatic carriers is even more challenging. A team set out to find a way to diagnose those asymptomatic malaria carriers and the key turned out to be in body odor.

This new method can identify those infected with malaria even when they are not displaying visible ...

Biology

Early stages of Parkinson's could be marked by inability to smell gasoline or soap

Rich Haridy September 6, 2017

A new long-term study by researchers at Michigan State University has provided evidence that a straightforward scratch-and-sniff test could effectively direct doctors towards those with a high risk of developing Parkinson’s years before the disease exhibits notable symptoms.

New research suggests a diminishing ability to smell soap, cinnamon or gasoline could be an early ...

Health & Wellbeing

Rosemary – the sweet smell of better grades?

Ben Coxworth May 3, 2017

Along with the usual desks and blackboards, primary school classrooms may soon be equipped with something a little less traditional – rosemary essential oil. According to a study recently conducted by a team from Northumbria University, the scent of the herb boosts children's working memory.

The smell of rosemary essential oil reportedly enhances working memory in children

Good Thinking

Eau de Deep Fryer could be a thing of the past, thanks to cold plasma technology

Lisa-Ann Lee December 5, 2016

Scientists have come up with a cold plasma technology to zap cooking odors at the source, which means you'll be able to eat at your favorite soul food joint without smelling like it.

Thanks to a new odor-cancelling technology, now you can have your doughnuts without smelling like the ...