Modern Wisdom #257 - Harold McGee - The Science Of How Smells Work
Dec 12, 2020
Harold McGee, an acclaimed author and food expert, dives into the fascinating world of smell. He explains why our sense of smell may be the oldest sense and how it shapes our experiences. Listeners will be intrigued by discussions on the link between smell and taste, and how scents could revolutionize entertainment. McGee also shares surprising insights on unique fragrances, including ambergris from whales, and highlights the profound impact of odors on our emotions and culinary arts.
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Smell and Entertainment
- Smell-O-Vision, a system to release smells during movies, was tested early on.
- Director John Waters used scratch-and-sniff cards in his 1970s film.
Interpretation of Smells
- Smells are interpreted based on personal history and evolutionary indicators.
- This explains our emotional attachment and narrative personification of smells.
Toddler Smell Neutrality
- Toddlers are more neutral to smells than adults, showing less revulsion.
- This flexibility might aid development, but the reason is unclear.
