Preserving a keen sense of smell has multiple benefits, notably for our ability to taste.
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Directly applying strong radio waves to an individual’s head appears to enhance the sense of smell, at least for a limited time.
Aging, trauma, and certain neurological disorders can impact the olfactory nerves, potentially diminishing the ability to smell. Many individuals have reported a reduced sense of smell following Covid-19, which can adversely affect personal preferences and may pose safety risks, such as an inability to detect gas leaks.
“Current medical practices may include surgical interventions for severe olfactory dysfunction, but more typical cases rely on chemical treatments, such as repeated exposure to scents at home,” explains Yong Woo-chan from Gang Line University in Seoul. “While treatments in other medical fields have advanced significantly, olfactory treatment has remained relatively traditional. To address this gap, we proposed the idea of electrical testing through bioelectronic stimulation as a therapeutic option.”
Chang and his team aimed to stimulate the olfactory system directly; however, due to its location deep within the head, they opted for radio wave stimulation instead.
The researchers initially engaged 28 participants without any odor issues. The participants were exposed to 15 watts of power for 5 minutes, emitted from a 5 cm square antenna positioned 10 cm from their heads. “The stimulus itself is not consciously felt by the patient,” states Chan. “However, with prolonged exposure, some might notice a slight warming sensation at the stimulation site.”
The olfactory sensitivity was assessed using standard tests like the Sniffin’ Sticks odor threshold test. This involved participants working to identify the presence of alcohol N-butanol produced from fermented sugar at varying dilutions.
Following the radiofrequency treatment, researchers observed that participants demonstrated significantly improved olfactory function, with these enhancements lasting approximately a week. Individuals with olfactory challenges may require additional treatments, according to Chan.
The research team is currently preparing studies involving individuals with smell disorders. The device has been refined to deliver more intense stimulation, which could potentially lead to even greater improvements, according to Jang.
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Source: www.newscientist.com
