Small changes in a single olfactory receptor gene can affect how strong, or how pleasant, a person finds a particular odor.
Functional olfactory receptors have been identified in human taste cells. The findings suggest olfactory receptors play a role in the taste system by interacting with taste receptors on the tongue. The brain, researchers say, combines input from taste, smell and other senses to create a multi-modal sensation of flavor.
A new study sheds light on the ingenious mechanism that underlies the brain's ability to distinguish between different smells.
Researchers report it takes less than a tenth of a second for mice to distinguish between different odors.
Findings could lead to new treatments for asthma.
A pheromone released by female zebrafish is sensed by the olfactory receptors of males, a new study reports.
Researchers report they have discovered the molecule responsible for regulating sexual behavior in vinegar flies.
Researchers report that in the future, olfactory receptors could serve as a target for liver cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Researchers discover odor receptors in the lungs.
Researchers explore the triggers for specific odor receptors and find no two people smell things the same way.
Researchers discover as much as 30% of the larger array of human olfactory receptors differ between individuals.
In one of the first successful attempts at genetically engineering mosquitoes, HHMI researchers have altered the way the insects respond to odors, including the smell of humans and the insect repellant DEET.
