Young choose tech over smell: Study reveals health risks
According to a 2011 study referenced by the ScienceAlert service, over half of young people would rather give up their sense of smell than technology.
27 October 2024 14:58
A 2011 study revealed that more than half of individuals aged 16-22 would prefer to give up their sense of smell rather than technology such as phones or laptops. Although smell seems less essential, scientists have discovered its impact on breathing. A team from the Weizmann Institute in Israel studied the airflow through the noses of 31 people with a sense of smell and 21 with anosmia.
The impact of smell on breathing
People with a sense of smell took more breaths, which may aid in diagnosing anosmia. Loss of smell, such as after COVID-19, is not a trivial symptom. A lack of smell can increase the risk of death and make it difficult to detect dangers like fires or spoiled food.
Breathing changes
The study found that people with a sense of smell have a specific breathing pattern, with double or triple "peaks" in inhalation. What this means is unclear, but it may affect physical and mental health. The brain is closely linked to breathing, influencing thinking, mood, and memory.
Potential consequences
Researchers suggest that changes in breathing may affect health. Future studies may provide more insights into this phenomenon and its impact on health.
For now, it is worth appreciating the importance of smell for our well-being. Scientists are still researching how this valuable human sense affects overall health. The study mentioned by Science Alert was published in Nature Communications.
