sense of smell

Researchers are working on ways to restore the sense of smell for people who have lost it, with Dr. Moustafa Bensafi leading a project called Rose, funded by the EU, which aims to develop an olfactory prosthesis. This device is intended to help people detect and recognize odors by either directly stimulating the olfactory system or indirectly stimulating the trigeminal nerve, which can convey sensations of temperature, pain, and touch. The project runs through August 2025 and is in the early stages of exploring how to stimulate the brain to restore the sense of smell. Additionally, another EU-funded project led by Marianna Obrist developed a kit for testing the sense of smell, called SmellHealth, which includes a device and an app to help users record their ability to detect different scents, aiming to improve olfactory care and potentially aid in the early diagnosis of diseases linked to olfactory decline.