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Of all the useless projects undertaken by humanity, few have been more difficult, futile and unpleasant than artificially creating odors, either by electrical impulses or by injecting odors directly into a room (such as the unfortunate Smell-O-Vision). Although smells can trigger emotions and even memories, no one is clamoring for technology that lets you feel someone with whom you chat on video or view a catalog of virtual smells (unless be one of these refined air fresheners). Nevertheless, a team of researchers in Malaysia is moving ahead with digital odor technology and claims to have made progress.
During the experiments, 31 electrodes were inserted into the nostrils of 31 participants, which stimulated the nose receptors that send signals to the brain to create a sense of smell. According to the Imagineering Institute, which conducted the study, the researchers were able to evoke 10 different artificial fragrances, although they were not able to control which of the participants smelled.
According to Adrian Cheok, one of the researchers associated with the study: "It's not just about smell. It's part of an integrated or augmented virtual reality. For example, you can have a virtual dinner with your friend via the internet, where you can see them in 3D and also share a glass of wine together. "
However, some scientists have questioned the results of the study. One of them is Charles Spence of Oxford University, who told Mach: "Every day smell will probably activate tens or even hundreds of receivers. electrode in the nose, whatever the rate of frequency or intensity (of electric current you use), you will not be able to stimulate enough receptors to deliver a (perception). "
Joel Mainland, of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in the United States, also pointed out that people may believe that they can smell a slight smell when told should feel one. According to the continent, the study on Malaysia does not take sufficient account of this problem.
Either way, we do not hold our breath (or our nose) for the day when you will be able to send something to the smell of a sandwich.
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