4 ms·

Odours are just molecules that are detected by the cells in our noses, and it's possible to identify them with various techniques. You've probably heard of mass

Odours are just molecules that are detected by the cells in our noses, and it's possible to identify them with various techniques. You've probably heard of mass spectrometry, which tells you the mass to charge ratio of the molecules that are present in a sample. You can figure out which molecules they are by looking up the m/z value in a database -- but mass spectrometers are pretty bulky. There's also a technique called field-asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry, which gives you a less direct indication of the molecules you're looking at, but FAIMS can be miniaturized into a silicon chip, and that is what Owlstone has done. Here's a bit more info about FAIMS: https://www.owlstonemedical.com/science-technology/faims-technology/ https://www.owlstonemedical.com/science-technology/faims-tec... edit: odours are not necessarily organic molecules

tiatia 9y ago
"Odours are just organic molecules" Yeah. Right. This is why Yeah. Right. This is why H2S has no smell. (in fact, some claim is has not and we smell something else). "that are detected by the cells in our noses, and it's possible to identify them with various techniques." Well, I think this was not the question. Yes, the mentioned start-up in this thread (owlstonemedical) uses a "Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer", might work, but I am not too impressed by the approach. Also, would not call this a detection of "scent". Would be more impressed if they really build an artificial nose that can smell. They eye has not receptors to detect dogs, chairs, cars but detects a spectrum. Same with the ear and actually, the same with the nose. The literature is out there.
- BoorishBears 9y ago
  >jdiez17 2 hours ago [-] >I work for Owlstone Medical as a software engineer, so ask me any questions and I'll try to answer as best I can.
- deleted 9y ago
  [deleted]

tiatia 9y ago

"Odours are just organic molecules" Yeah. Right. This is why Yeah. Right. This is why H2S has no smell. (in fact, some claim is has not and we smell something else). "that are detected by the cells in our noses, and it's possible to identify them with various techniques." Well, I think this was not the question. Yes, the mentioned start-up in this thread (owlstonemedical) uses a "Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer", might work, but I am not too impressed by the approach. Also, would not call this a detection of "scent". Would be more impressed if they really build an artificial nose that can smell. They eye has not receptors to detect dogs, chairs, cars but detects a spectrum. Same with the ear and actually, the same with the nose. The literature is out there.

BoorishBears 9y ago
>jdiez17 2 hours ago [-] >I work for Owlstone Medical as a software engineer, so ask me any questions and I'll try to answer as best I can.
deleted 9y ago
[deleted]