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Mystery of the Senses: Smell

For centuries, many cultures have used scents and odors for a variety of purposes. From the earliest civilizitions, humans have created and used scents to mask unpleasant odors and to enhance other, more appealing ones. To find out what makes humans so responsive to natural and synthesized fragrances, series host and naturalist Diane Ackerman investigates the role of incense in Oman, visits a perfume factory in New Jersey, traces a smell from outside the body to the part of the brain that stores memories and emotions, and examines how different animals use their sense of smell.

English
  • Originally Aired February 20, 1995
  • Special Position Airs before season 22, episode 6
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network PBS
  • Special is Critical to Show's Story Yes
  • Created July 21, 2021 by
    Jordanene
  • Modified January 6, 2026 by
    niemasd