Ultrasound Successfully Triggers Specific Scents Directly in Human Brain, Marking a Scientific First

Neuroscientist Lev Chizhov and his research team have announced a groundbreaking achievement: the reliable induction of distinct olfactory perceptions in the human brain using targeted ultrasound. This marks the first time such a feat has been accomplished, even in animal studies, opening new frontiers in non-invasive neuromodulation. The team reported successfully triggering sensations of smells like campfire and garbage trucks by directly stimulating the brain's olfactory regions.

The innovative technique involves applying focused ultrasound to the forehead, directly activating the olfactory bulb, the brain region responsible for processing smells. According to the team, including researchers Albert Y., Thomas Ribeiro, and Aayush Gupta, they meticulously adjusted pulse rates, angles, and depth to achieve consistent and repeatable perceptions. This method allowed subjects to experience specific odors without any actual scent molecules entering the nose, with reported perceptions including fresh air and ozone.

"Can ultrasound make you smell things that aren’t there? Turns out, yes!" stated Lev Chizhov on social media. He further emphasized the unprecedented nature of the discovery, noting, > "To our knowledge, this has never been done before, even in animals." The ability to induce such specific and distinct smells highlights a remarkable level of control over olfactory perception.

The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for fields like virtual reality (VR) and digital sensory experiences. The researchers suggest this could be a "promising modality for writing to the brain non-invasively," potentially enabling immersive VR environments with integrated smell sensations without the need for physical scent cartridges. Beyond entertainment, the technology could offer new ways to encode meaning or mood directly into the brain and potentially aid individuals with anosmia (loss of smell).

This advancement contributes to the rapidly growing field of olfactory technology, which is projected to reach significant market valuations in the coming years, driven by innovations in biosensors and AI. The non-invasive nature of focused ultrasound for neuromodulation is a key aspect, as it offers a safer and more precise alternative to traditional brain stimulation methods. Further research will explore the full potential of this direct brain-writing capability.