New Research by Bratman and Colleagues Emphasizes the Olfactory Pathway Between Nature and Human Well-being

Posted: 5/16/2024 (CSDE Research)

CSDE Affiliate Gregory Bratman (College of the Environment) released an article with co-authors in Science Advances, titled “Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway“. The world is undergoing massive atmospheric and ecological change, driving unprecedented challenges to human well-being. Olfaction is a key sensory system through which these impacts occur. The sense of smell influences quality of and satisfaction with life, emotion, emotion regulation, cognitive function, social interactions, dietary choices, stress, and depressive symptoms. Exposures via the olfactory pathway can also lead to (anti-)inflammatory outcomes. Authors integrate perspectives from a range of health, social, and natural systems to provide an overview of this unique sensory system and its role in the pathway between natural environments and human well-being. This fascinating research was supported by a Population Planning Research Grant (PPRG) from CSDE. This research was also featured in an article by UW News, where Bratman discusses the project’s significance.