Mathematical model developed to analyze smells
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028388
New Scientist : Humans can be acutely sensitive to certain odors, particularly those perceived to be unpleasant. Now a pair of researchers has developed a mathematical model to rate smells on a numerical scale based on their physical and chemical properties. Canceling out a particular smell requires a compound of equal and opposite rating, such that the two combined yield a zero score overall. Thus, rather than try to mask an existing smell with one that is more powerful, they propose creating the olfactory equivalent of white noise . According to their simulations, eliminating the notoriously pungent odor of an onion, for example, would require a blend of 38 different compounds. Next they plan to work on a device that would put the theory to the test.
