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- The science of smell - a shortcut to sharper thinking
The science of smell - a shortcut to sharper thinking
From rosemary to rose - learn how scents can boost cognition and calm the mind.
Mario Peshev
October 08, 2025
Welcome to The Smarter Brain, a curation of thought-provoking ideas and actionable reads to help you build better habits and become more productive.
Happy reading - See you on Sunday!
Cheers,
The Smarter Brain Team
Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
3 Ideas for Better Habits
Past Meets Present
Quirky wordsmith, Jarod Kintz, on bending reality through wit and absurd humor.
“Nostalgia is where the past blurs into the present. That’s where all the best scents are to be found.”
Scent of Passing Time
Master of crime and human psychology, P.D. James, on unraveling mystery through reason and moral depth.
“The scent of roses came in waves through the open window, alternately sickening sweet and then as elusive as a half-caught memory.”
Source: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
Longing for Escape
Painter of words and keen observer of fragility, Denton Welch, on capturing beauty and pain through the lens of memory.
“I began to long, as I had before, for some special smell, some special music that would fill me, lift me up and carry me away, float me off the rocks of my body and sweep me into some wideness, some vast expanse of blue-grey nothingness.”
Source: A Voice Through a Cloud
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Productivity Tools and Resources
When Memories Have a Scent
Smells don’t just remind us of the past - they rebuild it. Neuroscientists are discovering that scents help our brains store and retrieve memories more vividly than any other sense. From childhood kitchens to blooming gardens, scent-evoked memories activate deep emotional and cognitive responses that shape who we are.
Start exploring the science behind scent and memory.
Your nose might be the shortcut to sharper thinking. Studies reveal that certain essential oils - like rosemary and peppermint - can improve alertness, working memory, and mood by stimulating brain wave activity. Incorporating scent-based rituals could help you stay focused, calm, and mentally resilient throughout the day.
Learn how aromatherapy enhances cognitive performance.
Scented Success
Our sense of smell is directly wired to the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. That’s why one fragrance can soothe anxiety while another sparks motivation. Elevate your space with the ScentAir Whisper™ Diffusion System - where fragrance meets ambiance to create unforgettable experiences for every customer.
What We're Reading
Frontiers in Neuroscience: Stay ahead of the latest discoveries in brain science and sensory research. Each research paper includes insights from neuroscience labs around the world. Learn to decode the mind’s sensory language and apply it to your own well-being.
Neuroscience News: A weekly digest unpacking groundbreaking studies on brain function, behavior, and memory. Get evidence-based updates on how sensory perception impacts learning, decision-making, and emotional resilience. Short reads, lasting takeaways.
Brain Food
Today I Learned: Peppermint aroma increased alertness and boosted short-term memory test scores by up to 28%. (Source)
Science: Adult human olfactory bulbs exhibit ongoing neurogenesis that is modulated by learning and experience. (Source)
Have a productive rest of your week,
The Smarter Brain Team
Resource Spotlight
Aromatherapy Insights, Cognitive Boosters, Practical Scent Science
Monthly insights reveal how essential oils and olfactory practices can support brain health and emotional balance. From rosemary’s focus-boosting properties to peppermint’s energizing effects, experts bridge traditional aromatherapy with modern neuroscience.
Turn everyday aromas into tools for memory, focus, and resilience.
Olfactory Insights, Memory Mapping, Brain Wellness
Monthly spotlights uncover how scent shapes memory and mood. Research from Harvard Medicine Magazine dives into the neuroscience of smell - how specific aromas trigger vivid recollections, influence mood, and support mental clarity.
Start using scent to enhance cognitive wellness and recall.
Scent-Driven Brain Health, Gray Matter Growth, Simple Cognitive Boosts
Recent studies reveal that rose and lavender scents can literally change your brain’s structure - enhancing gray matter and supporting neuroplasticity. Continuous scent exposure may even strengthen memory retention and promote healthier aging.
Discover how simple scents support brain vitality.
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