Page 132 - The Miracles of Smell and Taste

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which they are linked are particularly important. Research has shown that
high levels of water, alcohol, carbon dioxide and acetic acid can impair the
device’s sensitivity. 115 In addition, scent experts need to program the elec-
tronic nose very carefully, or else certain odors may cause the device to

give incorrect or uncertain results.
6) Any system composed of sensors and computers lacks any mech-
anism for making logical judgments. Yet human beings carry out this
process from a very young age. As soon as a baby is born, it can recognize
its mother from her smell, and can distinguish between odors two days
later. 116
7) Despite the advanced technology of the present day, no electronic
device with the capacity of the human nose can be manufactured, show-
ing just how astonishing the design of our scent-perception system truly
is. Experts working on the subject of the electronic nose are better aware
of this than most other people.
This scent-perception system has been functioning perfectly since
the creation of the first human being. Yet the structure is so complex that
the details of the scent-receptor working mechanism and the perception

system in the brain are, to a large extent, still not understood. Indeed, less
is known about the olfactory system than about sight, hearing and
touch. 117 Therefore, any electronic system to replace the human nose is
clearly wishful thinking.
Apparently more advanced electronic nos-
es will be produced in years to
come, but that does not change
this manifest truth: An elec-
tronic nose cannot emerge
by chance, but is the
product of specific