Why do some people have a stronger sense of smell than others?
Quick Answer
Smell ability varies because of genetics, the number and sensitivity of odor receptors, and experience. The brain also becomes better at recognizing smells that someone has encountered before.
The Full Story
The human nose contains olfactory receptors that detect odor molecules, and people differ in how their receptors are tuned. Genetics influences which smells a person notices strongly and which ones seem weak or unpleasant. Smell can also be affected by age, illness, smoking, and nasal congestion. The brain matters too, because repeated exposure can improve recognition of familiar odors. Scientists have shown that olfactory performance differs widely between individuals, even among healthy adults.
Key Facts
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