Youth trade smells for screens: The surprising health risks
According to a study cited by ScienceAlert, over half of young people would rather give up their sense of smell than technology.
5:22 PM EDT, October 27, 2024
A 2011 study revealed that more than half of individuals aged 16-22 would prefer to give up their sense of smell rather than give up technology like phones or laptops. While smell might seem less essential, scientists have discovered its significant impact on breathing. A team from the Weizmann Institute in Israel studied airflow through the noses of 31 people with a sense of smell and 21 individuals with anosmia.
The impact of smell on breathing
People with a sense of smell generally took more breaths, which could aid in diagnosing anosmia. The loss of smell, such as that experienced 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 had a specific breathing pattern characterized by double or triple "peaks" during inhalation. While the significance of this finding is still unclear, it may have implications for physical and mental health. The brain is closely linked to breathing, influencing thinking, mood, and memory.
Researchers suggest that changes in breathing may affect health. Future studies might provide more insights into this phenomenon and its health impacts.
For now, it’s worth appreciating the importance of smell for our well-being. Scientists continue to research how this valuable human sense affects our overall health. The study referenced by ScienceAlert was published in "Nature Communications".
