A groundbreaking new study has revealed that our sense of smell may operate in a similar way to 3D movie glasses, with each nostril processing scents differently. The research, published in Current Biology, involved ten epilepsy patients and found that the brain activity triggered the same smell varied slightly between each nostril.
The study highlighted the independence of our two nostrils and the potential disparities in how we perceive smells from each. When participants used both nostrils to smell, researchers observed two distinct bursts of brain activity with a small delay between them, indicating that one nostril might transmit signals slightly ahead of the other.
This unique phenomenon draws parallels to how 3D glasses work, with the red lens shifting details to one side and the blue pulling things in another direction. When combined, they create a splendid 3D movie experience. Similarly, having two nostrils improves our ability to identify odors quickly, similar to the advantages of having two eyes and ears.
Previous studies have shown that rats can “smell in stereo,” aiding them in pinpointing the source of a smell accurately. This new research explores whether humans might share this ability. It opens new avenues for understanding how our brains navigate and make sense of the intricate information collected from our environment.
The revelation of the study about our dual nostrils adds a new layer to our understanding of the human olfactory system. The findings have been published in Current Biology and provide fascinating insights into the complexity of our sense of smell. You can access the full study clicking on this link.