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Sniffing dynamics reflect fine differences in perception of odours

Nature Human Behaviour volume 10, pages 14–15 (2026)Cite this article

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We hypothesized that, if the olfactory system involves fine-grained sensorimotor feedback, similarly to what has been observed in other sensory systems, the brain might modulate sniffs in real time according to detailed perceptual features of odours. We analysed more than 13,000 sniffs in response to 160 distinct odours to show that sniff patterns reflect fine-grained perceptual information and are potentially modulated by the amygdala.

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Fig. 1: Fine-grained perceptual features of odour can be predicted on the basis of sniffing patterns.

References

  1. Johnson, B. N. et al. Rapid olfactory processing implicates subcortical control of an olfactomotor system. J. Neurophysiol. 90, 1084–1094 (2003). One of the first studies that highlighted how sniffs might be modulated in response to odours.

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This is a summary of: Sagar, V. et al. The human brain modulates sniffs according to fine-grained perceptual features of odours. Nat. Hum. Behav. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02327-x (2025).

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Sniffing dynamics reflect fine differences in perception of odours. Nat Hum Behav 10, 14–15 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02335-x

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