Women have long been known to have a better sense of smell than men, despite having a similar number of olfactory receptors and a smaller olfactory bulb volume. However, Brazilian researchers have finally discovered why this is the case. According to a study published in the journal PloS ONE, the key to a better sense of smell lies in the number of cells in the olfactory bulb. The study found that women have an average of over 16 million cells in their olfactory bulbs, while men have only 9 million. This higher cell density in women’s olfactory bulbs is the reason for their superior sense of smell.
The researchers, led by Ana Oliveira-Pinto, examined 18 brains from both men and women to determine the number of cells in their olfactory bulbs. They found that women had significantly more cells than men, particularly in the neurons that are important for brain processes. While having more cells in an organ does not necessarily mean it is more complex, the researchers believe that in the case of brain cells, the number of cells is likely the reason for the superior sense of smell in women. However, the researchers note that it is only when the number of synapses can be determined that it can be said with certainty that women’s superior sense of smell is due to the cell structure in the olfactory bulb.
This study sheds light on a long-standing mystery and confirms what many have suspected for years: women have a better sense of smell than men. While the reason for this has been unclear until now, the discovery of the higher cell density in women’s olfactory bulbs provides a clear explanation. Men may have to accept that women simply perceive smells more accurately and in greater detail.
