BrainStuff Season 6 Episode 5 Why Do You Stop Noticing Smells After A While?

BrainStuff is a show that explores the science behind our everyday lives. In season 6, episode 5, titled "Why Do You Stop Noticing Smells After A While?", the hosts dive into the world of olfactory fatigue and explore why we stop smelling specific scents after prolonged exposure.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to olfactory fatigue, which is also known as nose blindness. The hosts explain that it occurs when the brain's olfactory receptors become desensitized to a specific smell, causing it to become less noticeable over time. They compare it to other types of sensory adaptation, such as the way our eyes adjust to changes in light or the way our ears adjust to changes in sound.

Next, the hosts dive into the science behind olfactory fatigue. They explain that our sense of smell is controlled by the olfactory bulb, which is located at the base of the brain. When we smell something, molecules from that substance bind to olfactory receptors in the nose, which then send signals to the olfactory bulb. The brain then interprets these signals as a specific scent.

However, the hosts explain that our olfactory receptors can become overwhelmed with prolonged exposure to a specific scent. This can cause the brain to interpret the scent as less intense or even disappear altogether. This process is known as sensory adaptation and is a natural part of the brain's processing of sensory information.

The hosts then give several examples of olfactory fatigue in action, including the smell of a particular perfume or cologne, the smell of your own home, and the smell of a particular food or drink. They explain that our brains are constantly working to filter out irrelevant sensory information, and olfactory fatigue is just one way that our brains do this.

The hosts also discuss the potential downsides of olfactory fatigue. For example, if you work in an environment with a strong smell, such as a factory or a chemical plant, you may not notice when there is a dangerous leak or spill. Similarly, if you have a gas leak in your home, you may not notice the smell if you've become nose blind to it.

To help combat olfactory fatigue, the hosts suggest several strategies. These include taking breaks from the smell, exposing yourself to other scents, and using aromatherapy to help stimulate your olfactory receptors.

Overall, BrainStuff season 6 episode 5 does an excellent job of exploring the science behind olfactory fatigue and providing practical strategies for combating it. Whether you're interested in the science of smell or just want to learn more about how your brain processes sensory information, this episode is sure to provide some fascinating insights.