Models that mimic bug brains shed light on smell

Researchers have created a model of the brain that may clarify how the sense of smell actually works. It also mirrors insect brains.

Brandie Jefferson-WUSTL • futurity
July 10, 2020 ~3 min

New VR tech simulates touching walls and other stuff

Virtual reality is great at taking users on a visual journey. But it's not so good for simulating touching objects. A new device could change that.

Byron Spice-Carnegie Mellon • futurity
April 28, 2020 ~6 min


Lizards change ‘cologne’ to communicate in new places

After relocating to islets with no predators, Aegean wall lizards changed the chemical signals they use to communicate with each other, researchers say.

Talia Ogliore-WUSTL • futurity
April 22, 2020 ~6 min

Your skin computes info from touch

Your skin is smarter than it may seem. Rather than just gather data on touch, skin actually helps process that information, researchers say.

Sonia Fernandez-UCSB • futurity
April 16, 2020 ~8 min

Proteins key to vision are also taste receptors in flies

Multiple opsin proteins, known for decades to be required for vision, also function as taste receptors, new research with fruit flies finds.

Harrison Tasoff-UC Santa Barbara • futurity
April 3, 2020 ~5 min

Lost sense of smell or taste could signal you have COVID-19

Sudden loss of sense of smell or taste could be the first symptoms of COVID-19. An expert explains why that is and what to do if it happens to you.

Patti Verbanas-Rutgers • futurity
March 24, 2020 ~1 min

Sensory ‘danger zones’ can mess with animal survival

Sensory danger zones, where light, noise, and chemical pollution overlap with animal habitats, put animals at serious risk, researchers say.

U. Michigan • futurity
March 18, 2020 ~5 min

Smell may shape how brains process memories

Smell really can jog the memory, a new study with mice shows. It could be a first step to using scent-based memories as therapy for PTSD and more.

Boston University • futurity
March 18, 2020 ~7 min


‘Pain sensor’ discovery could lead to new painkillers

A decade-long search for the "sensor" responsible for our ability to feel mechanical pain is finally over. The discovery could lead to new drugs.

McGill University • futurity
Feb. 25, 2020 ~3 min

Team maps the ‘wasabi sensor’

Researchers have mapped the "wasabi sensor," the hotspot in the mouth, nose, and throat that senses irritating chemicals like the spicy condiment.

Karl Bates-Duke • futurity
Jan. 6, 2020 ~3 min

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