This study investigates how sniffing, the periodic inhalation and exhalation of air, improves odor detection. Through experiments and theoretical modeling, the researchers found that sniffing frequency affects both the speed and amplitude of odor detection signals. Fast sniffing provides quick odor recognition but can result in signals comparable to noise, while slow sniffing increases signal amplitude but delays transmission. This trade-off suggests opportunities for designing devices that can actively adjust sniffing frequency based on different odors.

Thomas L. Spencer, Adams Clark, Jordi Fonollosa, Emmanuel Virot, David L. Hu