Can Pictures Help You Recall the Scent of a Memory?

Folks from England are so in touch with their senses that they can recall the smell associated with a scene or location just by having a look at a photograph of it. That’s according to research released by a major camera manufacturer to commemorate the launch of its newest digicams, which they claim capture memories in more clear detail than ever before.

The study, which was conducted across twenty-three states, revealed that 47% of UK people surveyed can remember the scent connected with an image, and many stated that they would actively take a picture of something based only on the way that it smells.

The results also show that Brit girls are more likely to concentrate on the scent of their environment when taking a picture than men, with over a quarter saying they might capture an image of something that smells appealing as an example a rose garden. This research is very important for people who are searching to buy a new Canon digital camera

Commenting on the study, Dr Raquel Heinz, a leading world expert in the mental science of smell and a lecturer at a major school, said : This analysis shows just how powerful the connection between our memories and the sense of smell truly is. While a photograph can visually remind us of a selected moment in time, if it is accompanied by smell it will arouse far more emotional and evocative memories more than any other memory trigger.

When asked to rate a list of smells that were most certain to trigger a memory, over 53% of europeans surveyed named the scent of freshly cut grass as their top Memory smell, with the scent of sunscreen and baby talc coming in at second and third.

Referring to the results, Dr Heinz recounted: “For a number of years scientists have conducted research into the linkage between our senses and our capability to recall memories. My research shows that our sense of smell particularly has a uniquely intimate and direct connection with the area of the brain that controls emotional memory. Its not surprising that so many people chose freshly cut grass and sun lotion as their top memory smells, as these aromas are strongly associated with youth – the time when our first smell memories are being formed. For most smells associated with youth such as the smell of a hot summers day in the fairground have an extremely powerful capability to trigger an emotional memory that takes them back to their youth.”

A representative for a major electronic camera manufacturer comments: “While an image is the final way to capture and document lifes most precious memories, we would have liked to try something a little different and see whether there was another factor concerned in recollecting a certain moment in time.” The company has been exploring every angle that people pursue when wanting new Sony digital cameras.

This research into the smells linked with memories shows that not only do Europeans have a wonderful capability to remember certain scenes and locations based on smells and smells, the majority also make a studied attempt to maximise the power of these memories for themselves.

Digital cameras can help to capture memories better than ever seen, and although they do not quite capture smell just yet, they actually can evoke it So when you are looking for a new digital camera keep your eyes, and nose, open wide.