As our oldest sensory system\, sm ell once played a critical\, life-saving role&mdash\;helping humans detect dangers such as fire or spoiled food. With modern advancements\, however\ , our dependence on smell has diminished\, making it easy to overlook&mdas h\;until it is lost. Despite this perception\, the olfactory system remain s essential. It contributes significantly to how we experience taste\, sha pes our sense of comfort in environments (from our homes to our clothes)\, and influences how we present ourselves to others through hygiene and fra grance. This presentation will begin with an overview of the olfactory sys tem and how we perceive different smells. It will then introduce several c auses of smell loss or distortion and discuss recovery methods\, including smell training. Smell training is a structured\, evidence-based approach in which individuals repeatedly expose themselves to a set of distinct sce nts (commonly floral\, fruity\, spicy\, and resinous) over time. A mini-sm ell training will also be provided for attendees. The focus will then shif t to perfumes\; their composition\, their effects on memory\, mood\, and p hysiology (such as heart rate). Key concepts such as fragrance layers (top \, middle\, and base notes)\, fragrance families and commonly used materia ls will also be explored. Guidance will be provided on how to evaluate and select a new perfume.
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This series is a collaboration betwee
n the Farquhar Honors Program and the Alvin Sherman Library. \; Each
lecture highlights pressing topics from today's headlines\, providing in-d
epth analysis and diverse perspectives. Tailored for undergraduates and li
felong learners\, these lectures foster critical thinking and informed dis
cussions on current events shaping our world.