A new open-access paper (https://lnkd.in/eaH3puqn) led by Gregory Bratman, Director of UW Nature and Health, describes how: Human beings are embedded in complex, rich, and prolific olfactory environments—chemical contexts within which the natural world transmits information. Airborne chemicals from the natural environment affect human well-being through pathways specific to olfaction—initially perceived and later explicitly judged through both innate and acquired processes. Anthropogenic activity often negatively affects natural olfactory environments to the detriment of human well-being. A better understanding of the relationship of human beings with natural olfactory environments can promote appreciation and revitalization of the natural world—and can thereby contribute to human well-being. Co-authors include: Peter Kahn, UW Nature and Health Steering Committee member and researcher, and Hector A. Olvera Alvarez Ph.D., P.E., UW Nature and Health research partner.
Bridget M. Brown
7mo
Wow. This is fascinating. So often we focus on the visual power of nature, but as the mom of a blind student, I love this exploration. Thanks!
Marine Scientist & Ecotoxicologist | Affiliate Professor | Former Research Director, Northwest Fisheries Science Center
6moMy hearty congratulations to Greg and his authors for publishing a comprehensive and easy to read paper ‘Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway’ in Science Advances. When I began reading this paper, I thought I knew a lot about the subject of the paper, but the wealth of data, cogent arguments and logical structuring of this paper made me feel humble and delighted. I was also impressed by the international collaboration of the authors in formulating and writing this paper with almost 300 references.