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Schäfer L, Sorokowska A, Weidner K, Sauter J, Schmidt AH, Croy I. Body odours as putative chemosignals in the father-child relationship: New insights on paternal olfactory kin recognition and preference from infancy to adolescence. Physiol Behav 2024; 278:114505. [PMID: 38432443 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Children's body odours are effective chemical cues in the parent-child relationship. Mothers can recognize the odour of their child and prefer this odour over that of unfamiliar children. This effect is mediated by genetic similarity and developmental stage and is therefore suited to promote parental care at pre-pubertal stage, while facilitating incest avoidance at (post-)pubertal stage. The present study tested whether similar mechanisms apply to fathers. Therefore n = 56 fathers evaluated body odour samples of their own and of unfamiliar children in varying genetic and developmental stages. Genetic status was determined by human leucocyte antigen (HLA) profiling, developmental status by standardized assessment of pubertal status and steroid hormone concentration (estradiol, testosterone). Similar to mothers, fathers identified their own child's body odour above chance and preferred that odour. The paternal preference did not relate to HLA similarity but decreased with increasing age of the child. The decline was associated with higher pubertal stages in daughters only, which supports the hypothesis of odour-mediated incest prevention in opposite-sex parent-child dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schäfer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Agnieszka Sorokowska
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Smell and Taste Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, pl. Dawida 1, 50-527, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Alexander H Schmidt
- DKMS, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany; DKMS Life Science Lab, St. Petersburger Straße 2, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Institute of Psycholgy, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany
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2
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Cecchetto C, Leleu A, Calce RP, Arnhardt S, Parma V, de Groot JHB, Freiherr J, Gentili C, Zou L, Thunell E, Fischmeister FPS, Rekow D, Dal Bò E. Consistent social odor representation across 7 languages: the Social Odor Scale translation and validation. Chem Senses 2024; 49:bjae035. [PMID: 39311704 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Social Odor Scale (SOS) is a 12-item questionnaire initially developed and validated in Italian and German to investigate self-reported awareness of social odors, which are odors emanating from the human body that convey diverse information and evoke various emotional responses. The scale includes a total score and 3 subscales representing social odors in the respective categories: romantic partner, familiar, and strangers. Here, we aimed to (i) replicate the validation of the Italian and German versions of the SOS, (ii) translate and validate the SOS into multiple additional languages (French, English, Dutch, Swedish, Chinese), and (iii) explore whether the factor structure of each translated version aligns with the original versions. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the scale's structure, yielding a good fit across all languages. Notable differences in SOS mean scores were observed among the different languages: Swedish participants exhibited lower social odor awareness compared to the other groups, whereas Chinese participants reported higher social odor awareness compared to Dutch and Swedish participants. Furthermore, SOS scores correlated with respondents' geographical location, with higher (i.e. northern) latitudes linked to lower social odor awareness. These results corroborate the SOS as a valid and reliable instrument, especially for the SOS total score and the Familiar and Partner factors, emphasizing the influence of individual and geographic factors on social odor awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cecchetto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Arnaud Leleu
- Development of Olfactory Communication and Cognition Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, INRAe, Institut Agro, Dijon, France
| | - Roberta P Calce
- Institute of Research in Psychology (IPSY) and Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Sally Arnhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Valentina Parma
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Jasper H B de Groot
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jessica Freiherr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Sensory Analytics and Technologies, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Giggenhauser Strasse 35, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Claudio Gentili
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Laiquan Zou
- Chemical Senses and Mental Health Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Evelina Thunell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 9, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Florian Ph S Fischmeister
- Developmental and Interventional Neuroimaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diane Rekow
- Development of Olfactory Communication and Cognition Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, INRAe, Institut Agro, Dijon, France
- Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elisa Dal Bò
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Loos HM, Schaal B, Pause BM, Smeets MAM, Ferdenzi C, Roberts SC, de Groot J, Lübke KT, Croy I, Freiherr J, Bensafi M, Hummel T, Havlíček J. Past, Present, and Future of Human Chemical Communication Research. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023:17456916231188147. [PMID: 37669015 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231188147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Although chemical signaling is an essential mode of communication in most vertebrates, it has long been viewed as having negligible effects in humans. However, a growing body of evidence shows that the sense of smell affects human behavior in social contexts ranging from affiliation and parenting to disease avoidance and social threat. This article aims to (a) introduce research on human chemical communication in the historical context of the behavioral sciences; (b) provide a balanced overview of recent advances that describe individual differences in the emission of semiochemicals and the neural mechanisms underpinning their perception, that together demonstrate communicative function; and (c) propose directions for future research toward unraveling the molecular principles involved and understanding the variability in the generation, transmission, and reception of chemical signals in increasingly ecologically valid conditions. Achieving these goals will enable us to address some important societal challenges but are within reach only with the aid of genuinely interdisciplinary approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene M Loos
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
- Department of Sensory Analytics and Technologies, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV
| | - Benoist Schaal
- Development of Olfactory Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS UMR 6265, Université de Bourgogne
| | - Bettina M Pause
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
| | | | - Camille Ferdenzi
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier
| | | | | | - Katrin T Lübke
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
| | - Ilona Croy
- Institute for Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
| | - Jessica Freiherr
- Department of Sensory Analytics and Technologies, Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
| | - Moustafa Bensafi
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5292, Inserm U1028, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden
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Alves Soares T, Owsienko D, Haertl T, Loos HM. Recovery rates of selected body odor substances in different textiles applying various work-up and storage conditions measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1252:341067. [PMID: 36935158 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body odor is an important aspect in interpersonal communication. For psychological and chemical research on body odors, suitable procedures for sampling and application, and analysis of body odors are essential. In this study, different textile fabrics (polyester, cotton, and Gazin gauze) were comparatively evaluated in view of their potential suitability for body odor sampling by determining recovery rates of selected body odor substances. In addition, the impact of sample preparation and storage conditions on the recovery rates was determined. RESULTS The recovery rates of dimethyl disulfide, (E)-non-2-enal, 5α-androst-16-en-3-one, 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one, heptanal and 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol were determined under different conditions of storage (storage for 30 min at room temperature or storage for 30 min at room temperature followed by freezing at - 80 °C for 4 weeks) and sample work-up (solvent extraction with and without solvent-assisted flavour evaporation, in the following: SAFE). SAFE led to overall lower recovery rates with a significant effect for (E)-non-2-enal and 5α-androst-16-en-3-one. Nevertheless, the results showed that SAFE can be an essential step when working with a complex matrix. When comparing the different fabrics, except for (E)-non-2-enal no difference between the recovery rates obtained for cotton and polyester became evident. Gazin gauze showed lower recovery rates for all compounds. Finally, our results showed that the here investigated target compounds are stable during storage for four weeks at - 80 °C. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY The results show on the one hand that the here investigated compounds were stable during storage and that the fiber type had limited influence on overall recovery rates. On the other hand, they highlight the limitations of using textile materials for sampling of volatile substances, especially with regard to low recovery rates for certain substances and the necessity of material pre-treatment or distillation steps for enabling GC-MS analysis after solvent extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Alves Soares
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Owsienko
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Haertl
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helene M Loos
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 9, 91054, Erlangen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Giggenhauser Str. 35, 85354, Freising, Germany.
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5
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Patel ZM, Holbrook EH, Turner JH, Adappa ND, Albers MW, Altundag A, Appenzeller S, Costanzo RM, Croy I, Davis GE, Dehgani-Mobaraki P, Doty RL, Duffy VB, Goldstein BJ, Gudis DA, Haehner A, Higgins TS, Hopkins C, Huart C, Hummel T, Jitaroon K, Kern RC, Khanwalkar AR, Kobayashi M, Kondo K, Lane AP, Lechner M, Leopold DA, Levy JM, Marmura MJ, Mclelland L, Miwa T, Moberg PJ, Mueller CA, Nigwekar SU, O'Brien EK, Paunescu TG, Pellegrino R, Philpott C, Pinto JM, Reiter ER, Roalf DR, Rowan NR, Schlosser RJ, Schwob J, Seiden AM, Smith TL, Soler ZM, Sowerby L, Tan BK, Thamboo A, Wrobel B, Yan CH. International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Olfaction. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2022; 12:327-680. [PMID: 35373533 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature regarding clinical olfaction, olfactory loss, and olfactory dysfunction has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, with an exponential rise in the past year. There is substantial variability in the quality of this literature and a need to consolidate and critically review the evidence. It is with that aim that we have gathered experts from around the world to produce this International Consensus on Allergy and Rhinology: Olfaction (ICAR:O). METHODS Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to olfaction. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review, or evidence-based review with recommendations format as dictated by available evidence and scope within the ICAR:O document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:O document was integrated and reviewed by all authors for final consensus. RESULTS The ICAR:O document reviews nearly 100 separate topics within the realm of olfaction, including diagnosis, epidemiology, disease burden, diagnosis, testing, etiology, treatment, and associated pathologies. CONCLUSION This critical review of the existing clinical olfaction literature provides much needed insight and clarity into the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with olfactory dysfunction, while also clearly delineating gaps in our knowledge and evidence base that we should investigate further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara M Patel
- Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eric H Holbrook
- Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin H Turner
- Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nithin D Adappa
- Otolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark W Albers
- Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aytug Altundag
- Otolaryngology, Biruni University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Simone Appenzeller
- Rheumatology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard M Costanzo
- Physiology and Biophysics and Otolaryngology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ilona Croy
- Psychology and Psychosomatic Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Greg E Davis
- Otolaryngology, Proliance Surgeons, Seattle and Puyallup, Washington, USA
| | - Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
- Associazione Naso Sano, Umbria Regional Registry of Volunteer Activities, Corciano, Italy
| | - Richard L Doty
- Smell and Taste Center, Otolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Valerie B Duffy
- Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - David A Gudis
- Otolaryngology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Antje Haehner
- Smell and Taste, Otolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas S Higgins
- Otolaryngology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Claire Hopkins
- Otolaryngology, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London Bridge Hospital, London, UK
| | - Caroline Huart
- Otorhinolaryngology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholgique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste, Otolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Robert C Kern
- Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ashoke R Khanwalkar
- Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Masayoshi Kobayashi
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Kenji Kondo
- Otolaryngology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andrew P Lane
- Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matt Lechner
- Otolaryngology, Barts Health and University College London, London, UK
| | - Donald A Leopold
- Otolaryngology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Joshua M Levy
- Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael J Marmura
- Neurology Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisha Mclelland
- Otolaryngology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Takaki Miwa
- Otolaryngology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Paul J Moberg
- Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sagar U Nigwekar
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin K O'Brien
- Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Teodor G Paunescu
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Carl Philpott
- Otolaryngology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Jayant M Pinto
- Otolaryngology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Evan R Reiter
- Otolaryngology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - David R Roalf
- Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicholas R Rowan
- Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rodney J Schlosser
- Otolaryngology, Medical University of South Carolina, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, USA
| | - James Schwob
- Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allen M Seiden
- Otolaryngology, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy L Smith
- Otolaryngology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Zachary M Soler
- Otolaryngology, Medical University of South Carolina, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, USA
| | - Leigh Sowerby
- Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce K Tan
- Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrew Thamboo
- Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bozena Wrobel
- Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carol H Yan
- Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
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Scheller M, Matorres F, Little AC, Tompkins L, de Sousa AA. The Role of Vision in the Emergence of Mate Preferences. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3785-3797. [PMID: 33851315 PMCID: PMC8604830 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cross-cultural research has repeatedly demonstrated sex differences in the importance of partner characteristics when choosing a mate. Men typically report higher preferences for younger, more physically attractive women, while women typically place more importance on a partner's status and wealth. As the assessment of such partner characteristics often relies on visual cues, this raises the question whether visual experience is necessary for sex-specific mate preferences to develop. To shed more light onto the emergence of sex differences in mate choice, the current study assessed how preferences for attractiveness, resources, and personality factors differ between sighted and blind individuals using an online questionnaire. We further investigate the role of social factors and sensory cue selection in these sex differences. Our sample consisted of 94 sighted and blind participants with different ages of blindness onset: 19 blind/28 sighted males and 19 blind/28 sighted females. Results replicated well-documented findings in the sighted, with men placing more importance on physical attractiveness and women placing more importance on status and resources. However, while physical attractiveness was less important to blind men, blind women considered physical attractiveness as important as sighted women. The importance of a high status and likeable personality was not influenced by sightedness. Blind individuals considered auditory cues more important than visual cues, while sighted males showed the opposite pattern. Further, relationship status and indirect, social influences were related to preferences. Overall, our findings shed light on the availability of visual information for the emergence of sex differences in mate preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Scheller
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
- School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK.
| | | | | | - Lucy Tompkins
- Centre for Health and Cognition, Bath Spa University, Bath, UK
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7
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Caniklioğlu M, Öztekin Ü, Caniklioğlu A, Selmi V, Sarı S, Işıkay L. Can Annual Daylight Cycles and Seasons Have an Effect on Male Sexual Functions? Cureus 2021; 13:e18879. [PMID: 34804728 PMCID: PMC8599110 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mammals' sexual functions exhibit seasonal variations that have been attributed to changes in the daylight. In this study, taking into consideration endocrine and psychogenic status, we aimed to investigate whether human males experience changes in erectile functions and sexual desire depending on daylight periods and seasons, and whether periodicity exists in human sexual behavior. Materials and methods International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and psychiatric scale scores of 221 male patients were evaluated. In addition, hormonal parameters of the patients were examined. These data were first evaluated in two groups (summer and winter) according to local daylight amounts the participants received. Then IIEF scores were also analyzed according to four conventional seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). Results There was no significant difference in laboratory data, psychiatric scale scores and IIEF evaluations between summer and winter groups. Moreover, no significant difference was found in terms of sexual desire and erectile functions in terms of four seasons (p > 0.05). Conclusion According to the results of this study, there is no periodicity in human sexual functions both in relation to daylight and four seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ayşen Caniklioğlu
- Clinical Biochemistry, Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, TUR
| | - Volkan Selmi
- Urology, Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, TUR
| | - Sercan Sarı
- Urology, Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, TUR
| | - Levent Işıkay
- Urology, Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, TUR
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8
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Magris M, Jokiniemi A, Kuusipalo L, Ritari J, Koskela S, Partanen J, Kekäläinen J. Structural dissimilarity of partners' immune genes increases sperm viability in women's reproductive tract. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1125-1132. [PMID: 34056789 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes appear to mediate pre- and post-copulatory mate choice towards HLA-dissimilar ('compatible') partners. However, since genetically distinct alleles often have similar immunogenic properties, genetic dissimilarity is not necessarily an accurate predictor of the functional compatibility of HLA alleles and, hence, may not reflect partners' true compatibility. Furthermore, it has remained unclear whether other genes of the immune system could also play a role in male-female compatibility. We studied whether the immunoglobulin binding regions (eplets) of HLA molecules and the immunoglobulin structural dissimilarity of the partners affect their gamete-level compatibility. We exposed sperm of multiple men to follicular fluid or cervical mucus of multiple women and tested whether sperm viability in these reproductive secretions was influenced by HLA eplet and immunoglobulin structural dissimilarity between partners. We found that eplet dissimilarity positively affects sperm viability in follicular fluid, whereas immunoglobulin dissimilarity enhanced sperm viability in cervical mucus. Together, these findings indicate that structural characteristics of both HLA alleles and immunoglobulins may facilitate cryptic female choice towards immunologically compatible partners. Our results, thus, indicate that partners' genetic compatibility may have wider immunological basis than traditionally has been assumed. Relative contribution of different immunogenetic factors to overall compatibility of the reproductive partners needs to be clarified in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Magris
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Jarmo Ritari
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Koskela
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Partanen
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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9
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Schäfer L, Schriever VA, Croy I. Human olfactory dysfunction: causes and consequences. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:569-579. [PMID: 33496882 PMCID: PMC7835667 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The sense of smell essentially contributes to social communication, guides nutrition behaviour and elicits avoidance towards environmental hazards. Olfactory smell impairment may hence entail severe consequences for affected individuals. Compared with sensory loss in other modalities, reduced olfactory function is often unnoticed by those affected and diagnosed late. Those patients seeking help frequently suffer from long-term impairments resulting in reduced well-being and quality of life. The current review provides an overview of aetiology, prevalence and specifics of diagnostics in acquired and congenital olfactory loss and focusses on short- and long-term consequences. Compensation strategies are elaborated, and treatment options are mentioned. Individual characteristics associated with the development of serious mental health impairment are discussed in order to help practitioners identifying populations at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schäfer
- Klinik Und Poliklinik Für Psychotherapie Und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | - Valentin A Schriever
- Abteilung Neuropädiatrie, Klinik Und Poliklinik Für Kinder- Und Jugendmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Klinik Und Poliklinik Für Psychotherapie Und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany.
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10
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Croy I, Ritschel G, Kreßner-Kiel D, Schäfer L, Hummel T, Havlíček J, Sauter J, Ehninger G, Schmidt AH. Marriage does not relate to major histocompatibility complex: a genetic analysis based on 3691 couples. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201800. [PMID: 33023409 PMCID: PMC7657850 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimization of chances for healthy offspring is thought to be one of the factors driving mate choice and compatibility of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is assumed to determine the offspring's fitness. While humans have been claimed to be able to perceive information of MHC compatibility via the olfactory channel, it remains unknown whether humans use such information for mate choice. By investigation of 3691 married couples, we observed that the high polymorphism of MHC leads to a low chance for homozygous offspring. MHC similarity between couples did not differ from chance, we hence observed no MHC effect in married couples. Hormonal contraception at the time of relationship initiation had no significant effect towards enhanced similarity. A low variety of alleles within a postcode area led to a higher likelihood of homozygous offspring. Based on this data, we conclude that there is no pattern of MHC dis-assortative mating in a genetically diverse Western society. We discuss the question of olfactory mate preference, in-group mating bias and the high polymorphism as potential explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerhard Ritschel
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Denise Kreßner-Kiel
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laura Schäfer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Interdisciplinary Center ‘Smell & Taste’, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Alexander H. Schmidt
- DKMS gemeinnützige GmbH, Tübingen, Germany
- DKMS Life Science Laboratory GmbH, Dresden, Germany
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11
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Jokiniemi A, Kuusipalo L, Ritari J, Koskela S, Partanen J, Kekäläinen J. Gamete-level immunogenetic incompatibility in humans-towards deeper understanding of fertilization and infertility? Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 125:281-289. [PMID: 32747723 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-0350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) immune genes play an important role in partner selection, but it has remained unclear if nonrandom pairing with respect to parental HLA genes could occur at the level of the gametes. We tested this possibility by investigating whether the sperm fertilization competence in humans is dependent on HLA genotype combination of the partners. We conducted a full-factorial experiment, in which the sperm physiological preparation for fertilization among multiple males was studied in the presence of follicular fluid (oocyte surrounding bioactive liquid) of several females. All the studied sperm pre-fertilization physiological parameters (motility, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and viability) were strongly dependent on male-female combination. In other words, follicular fluids (women) that induce strong sperm physiological response in some males often induce much weaker response in the other(s). Sperm physiological responses were stronger in HLA-dissimilar male-female pairs than in HLA-similar combinations, but none of the measured sperm traits were associated with genome-wide similarity. Together, these findings shed new light on the evolutionary and immunological mechanisms of fertilization. Furthermore, our results raise an intriguing possibility that against currently prevailing WHO's definition, infertility may not represent exclusively a pathological condition, but may also result from immunogenetic incompatibility of the gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Liisa Kuusipalo
- North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, FI-80210, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jarmo Ritari
- Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Koskela
- Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Partanen
- Research and Development, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101, Joensuu, Finland.
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12
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Murray DR, Moran JB, Prokosch ML, Kerry N. No evidence for a relationship between MHC heterozygosity and life history strategy in a sample of North American undergraduates. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10140. [PMID: 32576939 PMCID: PMC7311407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although allelic diversity at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has implications for adaptive immunity, mate choice, and social signalling, how diversity at the MHC influences the calibration of life history strategies remains largely uninvestigated. The current study investigated whether greater MHC heterozygosity was associated with markers of slower life history strategies in a sample of 789 North American undergraduates. Contrary to preregistered predictions and to previously published findings, MHC heterozygosity was not related to any of the psychological life history-relevant variables measured (including short- vs. long-term sexual strategy, temporal discounting, the Arizona life history battery, past and current health, disgust sensitivity, and Big Five personality traits). Further, no meaningful effects emerged when analysing women and men separately. Possible reasons for why the current results are inconsistent with previous work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian R Murray
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
| | - James B Moran
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Marjorie L Prokosch
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Nicholas Kerry
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
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13
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Schäfer L, Sorokowska A, Sauter J, Schmidt AH, Croy I. Body odours as a chemosignal in the mother-child relationship: new insights based on an human leucocyte antigen-genotyped family cohort. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190266. [PMID: 32306871 PMCID: PMC7209942 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mothers are able to identify the body odour (BO) of their own child and prefer this smell above other BOs. It has hence been assumed that the infantile BO functions as a chemosignal promoting targeted parental care. We tested this hypothesis and examined whether children's BOs signal genetic similarity and developmental status to mothers. In addition, we assessed whether BOs facilitate inbreeding avoidance (Westermarck effect). In a cross-sectional design, N = 164 mothers participated with their biological children (N = 226 children, aged 0-18 years) and evaluated BO probes of their own and four other, sex-matched children. Those varied in age and in genetic similarity, which was assessed by human leucocyte antigen profiling. The study showed not only that mothers identified and preferred their own child's BO, but also that genetic similarity and developmental status are transcribed in BOs. Accordingly, maternal preference of their own child's odour changes throughout development. Our data partly supported the Westermarck effect: mothers' preference of pubertal boys' BOs was negatively related to testosterone for the own son, but not for unfamiliar children. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Olfactory communication in humans'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schäfer
- Department of Psychosomatics, Technische Universität, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Sorokowska
- Department of Psychosomatics, Technische Universität, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Smell and Taste Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, pl. Dawida 1, 50-527, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Alexander H. Schmidt
- DKMS, Kressbach 1, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
- DKMS Life Science Lab, St. Petersburger Straße 2, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychosomatics, Technische Universität, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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14
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Mahmut MK, Croy I. The role of body odors and olfactory ability in the initiation, maintenance and breakdown of romantic relationships - A review. Physiol Behav 2019; 207:179-184. [PMID: 31077678 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to present direct and indirect lines of converging evidence that highlight the many ways our body odors and sense of smell may influence the three broad stages of romantic relationships; initiation, maintenance and breakdown. This emerging area of study requires a multidisciplinary empirical approach. Here we survey research findings that taken together, suggest that body odor perception moderates mate choice, provides a source of comfort in existing relationships and may signal the breakdown of a relationship through disgust processes. In terms of olfactory ability, having a good sense of smell may facilitate identifying a healthy mate, enhance sexual experiences, relationship security and ensure empathic responsivity, predictors of relationship longevity. We therefore conclude that olfaction plays an important - yet understudied - role in romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet K Mahmut
- Food, Flavour and Fragrance Lab, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
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15
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Do women love their partner's smell? Exploring women's preferences for and identification of male partner and non-partner body odor. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112517. [PMID: 30982654 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite evidence indicating body odor (BO) preference is an important driver in mate selection, previous studies have only investigated females' preferences for the BO of strangers. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine if partnered females prefer their partner's BO compared to that of others males' BO. Forty partnered and 42 single, heterosexual women aged 18-35 years, brought to the laboratory a shirt their partner or male friend/relative (respectively) sweated in while wearing. The results indicated that both partnered and single women (blindly) rated their known donor's BO as smelling significantly more similar, familiar and sexy compared to six unknown male's BO, but rated their known donor's BO as less intense smelling than unknown males' BO. While participants indicated they liked their known donor's BO more than that of unknown males' BO, the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, participants were unlikely to rank their known donor's BO as their most preferred of seven BOs. Finally, partnered and single participants could reliably recognise their known donor's BO and that of unknown males' which was driven by their ability to indicate a stranger's BO was not that of known donor's. Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that partnered females may prefer their partners' BO but this preference may not be due to mate selection but instead a consequence of repeated exposure to their partner's BO.
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16
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Mahmut MK, Stevenson RJ. Do Single Men Smell and Look Different to Partnered Men? Front Psychol 2019; 10:261. [PMID: 30814968 PMCID: PMC6381011 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research indicates human body odor (BO) can signal kinship, sickness and genetic compatibility. Based on research indicating single males have higher testosterone levels than partnered males and that higher testosterone levels are associated with stronger smelling BO, the current study aimed to determine if, by extension of previous findings, single males’ BO smells stronger than partnered males’ BO. Eighty-two heterosexual women aged 18–35 years rated the BO and faces of six different males also aged 18–35 years. Consistent with the hypothesis, single men’s BO smelled stronger than partnered men’s BO and single men’s faces were rated as more masculine than partnered men’s faces. The possible advantages of females being able to identify single males are addressed in the Discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet K Mahmut
- Food, Flavor and Fragrance Lab, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard J Stevenson
- Food, Flavor and Fragrance Lab, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Menzel S, Hummel T, Schäfer L, Hummel C, Croy I. Olfactory change detection. Biol Psychol 2018; 140:75-80. [PMID: 30500356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The human olfactory system is characterized by poor temporal and spatial resolution. When determining changes in the environment, humans rather rely on visual than on olfactory information. Against this background, we developed a test in order to investigate the human capacity to detect changes in the olfactory environment and to determine potential modulators of olfactory change detection. Participants consecutively received four odors (2 odor qualities in 2 concentrations each) which were presented via a computer-controlled olfactometer. The participants' task was to react as soon as they perceived a change of the odor. For control purpose, the same paradigm was also presented with visual instead of olfactory stimuli. A total of 83 healthy participants (aged 18-34 years, 50 women) were included; all of them were screened for attention, olfactory function, chemical sensitivity and the subjective importance of the sense of smell. While visual changes were detected above chance by all participants, olfactory changes were reliably detected by only 24% of the participants. Those were characterized by high subjective importance of olfaction and low chemical sensitivity. Across all participants, changes of olfactory quality were detected more frequently than changes of olfactory concentration. These results suggest that olfaction is imprecise in guiding environmental change detection and may help to explain why humans typically rate the importance of vision higher than the importance of olfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Menzel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laura Schäfer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cornelia Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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