In a recent experiment, researchers tested hundreds of receptor gene types found in human and mouse noses.

By inundating the receptors with odors, researchers were able to figure out which receptors respond to which odor molecules and translate the smells into brain signals.

Unlocking this interface would show how the brain recognizes and reacts to different smells.

— Read more at Scent Secrets Unlocked, Artificial Noses Ahead? at the National Geographic.

When you're in love, everything seems different – and that includes your sense of smell. Women who are deeply in love struggle to recognise the body odour of male friends, but their ability to distinguish their partner's smell is unaffected.

— from Love skews your sense of smell at New Scientist, with many thanks to Jirish for the link!

The smell of fear, one of the most terrible cliches of pulp fiction, is founded in fact, scientists claim today.

People can unconsciously detect whether someone is stressed or scared by smelling a chemical pheromone released in their sweat, according to researchers who have investigated the underarm secretions of petrified skydivers.

— Read the rest at The smell of fear is real, say scientists at the Guardian.