The Nose Knows

An incredibly sophisticated molecule detector senses the air.

It begins to collect samples, processing them in its olfactory factory, where individual molecules search for its precise corresponding docking station, like the right key going into a precise lock.

The information about what molecules are present, and whether they’re safe for humans, is processed by an incredibly powerful local supercomputer. The humans with the supercomputer and molecule detector can then go about their lives safely, without thinking too much about how this process works.

You probably know what I’m talking about. No? Do I hear two no’s?

There are everyday things in the world—things we experience every day—that have a way of invoking a sense of wonder in me. The way we smell things is one of those things we tend to take for granted, but there’s an incredible story going on.

Molecular Matchmaking

While we’re over here inhaling and exhaling, giving little or no thought to what our nose is up to, our molecule m…