The problem is that no one has an understanding of how the receptors in your nose sense smells. It has always been assumed to be shape - based, like neurotransmitters and receptors, but there is no clear evidence to support that. Some scientists, most recently Luca Turin, think that it is based on molecular vibration from the electron rings (warning: gross oversimplification!), much like a spectroscope. There are some really interesting recent books about this subject as it relates to perfume.
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The problem is that no one has an understanding of how the receptors in your nose sense smells. It has always been assumed to be shape - based, like neurotransmitters and receptors, but there is no clear evidence to support that. Some scientists, most recently Luca Turin, think that it is based on molecular vibration from the electron rings (warning: gross oversimplification!), much like a spectroscope. There are some really interesting recent books about this subject as it relates to perfume.