The Chemistry of Smell: How Molecules Turn into Memories
The Chemistry of Smell: How Molecules Turn into Memories By Vishalkumar D. Dabhi | M.Sc Organic Chemistry The Invisible Power of Smell Close your eyes and imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread. Suddenly, you're transported to your grandmother’s kitchen. But how? What is it about a smell that can unlock vivid memories, emotions, or even instinctive reactions? Smell is often underestimated, yet it's one of the most powerful senses we have—and it all begins with chemistry. In this blog, we’ll explore how tiny molecules in the air interact with our brain, the science of scent perception, and how researchers are now using this knowledge to build artificial noses, diagnose diseases, and design memory-triggering perfumes. Let’s take a deep breath and step into the fascinating chemistry of smell. Chapter 1: The Journey of a Scent Molecule Everything starts with a molecule. Whether it’s the sharp smell of lemon or the earthy scent after rain, odor molecu...