For a long time our sense of smell - compared to the other senses - remained disregarded in science. Fortunately, this has changed in recent years and there are more unraveled facts about the fascinating world of scent.

In 2004, the Nobel Prize for medicine was awarded to Dr. Linda Buck and Dr. Richard Axel ("for their discoveries of odorant receptors and the organization of the olfactory system"). For a detailed explanation on their breakthrough pioneering work on how our sense of smell works at a molecular level, read more here.

State of the science

The team of scent experts at Annindriya follows the state of the science closely; both in the field of psychology, the physiology/ biology, as well as in the field of fragrance chemistry.

Be inspired and share of wonderment on the impact of scents in the following scientific studies:

1. Influencing behavior in psychological research Radboud University: a clean scent affects tidying up subconsciously in a positive way.
2. Stress reduction through fragrance dispersion in MRI scanners.
3. Increased alertness through smell.
4. Anxiety reduction in waiting rooms of dentists.
5. Trigger appetite.
6. Sleep behavior.

Aromachology - developed in 1982 at the initiative of the Olfactory Research Fund - is the study of the relationship between psychology and fragrance technology. But what is the difference between aromatherapy and aromachology? Aromatherapy also describes the effects of scent, however, these are principally based on old customs and traditions. Aromachology, in contrast, investigates the effect of scent on a multitude of feelings and emotions in the brain in a systematic and scientific manner.

Recommendations for further reading:

• Scent and Chemistry, The molecular World of Odors, Gunther Ohloff, Wilhelm Pickenhagen, Philip Kraft (ISBN 10 3-906390-66-7)
• Understanding Fragrance Chemistry, Charles Sell (ISBN 10 19-326-3338-3).
• What the Nose Knows, The Science of Scent in everyday Life, Avery Gilbert (ISBN 978-1-4000-8234-6)