Friday, August 28, 2009

How The Nose Copes With Nostril Rivalry


The headline of the Science Times article, How The Nose Copes With Nostril Rivalry, drew me into what needed to be said about something no one really cares to read about. The topic itself is bland, yet the article shined light upon the subject. Believe it or not, our nostrils are competing for total dominance of the olfactory (the organ in charge of the sense of smell). Both nostrils are perceived to be working hand in hand; however, each one is fighting to be in control and obtain the ability to give you a stronger sense of smell. These aren't the first organs to clash. Scientist say the competition is similar to the battle of your eyes and ears as they "go at it" for superiority. I've done further research to confirm the article's facts and accuracy. According to Medical News Today (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161415.php), both nostrils generate differently, yet together they both are accurate and give us a model of the world around us. Both articles refer to the publication Current Biology for concrete information; however, Science Times claims this is a one hundred percent fact while Medical News Today claims it's an illusion. This study of binaral (two nostrils) rivalry has made us wonder. So with that curiosity, the field of Human Olfactory perception will be in effect.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/science/01obnose.html?_r=1&ref=science