How Scent-Enhanced Technology Could Boost Memory & Cognition: The ASUS Fragrance Mouse: A New Way to Engage the Senses?
ASUS has introduced the Fragrance Mouse MD101, a wireless mouse with a built-in fragrance compartment, allowing users to experience scent while working or studying. While this might seem like a novelty, research shows that scent plays a crucial role in memory, cognition, and stress regulation.
📖 The Science Behind Scent & Memory
Unlike other senses, smell has a direct pathway to the limbic system, making it a uniquely powerful tool for memory recall, cognitive enhancement, and stress reduction. Let's dive into what neuroscience has found over the years!
1️⃣ Scent as a Powerful Memory Cue
🧠 Odors trigger stronger, more vivid memories than visual or auditory stimuli.
Herz (1998, 2016) & Lopis et al. (2023) found that scent-evoked memories tend to be older, more emotionally intense, and longer-lasting than other types of memories.
💡 Infusing scent into workspaces could enhance memory retrieval and improve recall.
2️⃣ Scent & Context-Dependent Memory
🧠 Recalling information is easier when the same scent is present during both learning & retrieval
Herz (1997) & Sorokowska et al. (2022) showed that scent-based context effects significantly enhance memory recall.
💡 Using the same scent while studying and recalling information (e.g., exams, meetings) could strengthen memory associations.
3️⃣ Scent & Cognitive Health
🧠 Can scent exposure boost brain function?
Woo et al. (2023) found that six months of overnight scent exposure improved memory by 226% and strengthened neural connections in older adults
💡 Could daily scent exposure through technology enhance long-term cognitive function?
4️⃣ Scent & Emotionally Charged Learning
🧠 Emotions influence how effectively scent aids memory.
Herz (1997) & Masaoka et al. (2012) found that scents associated with personal, emotional experiences led to stronger recall and deeper physiological responses
💡 Pairing scents with important tasks or learning moments may reinforce memory formation.
5️⃣ Scent & Contextual Learning (Even for Unpleasant Odors!)
🧠 Do scents need to be pleasant to enhance memory?
Hackländer & Bermeitinger (2017) found that both pleasant (peach) and unpleasant (onion) scents improved recall when consistently used.
💡 Even if a scent isn’t universally pleasant, it may still enhance learning if consistently paired with study sessions.
🚀 What This Means for the ASUS Fragrance Mouse
This device could be more than a novelty—it may offer real cognitive benefits:
✅Boosting focus & memory recall
✅Strengthening context-dependent memory
✅Supporting cognitive health
✅Reducing stress & enhancing mood
📖 ASUS Official Website. (2024). ASUS Fragrance Mouse MD101 - Features & Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.asus.com/accessories/mice-and-mouse-pads/asus-mouse-and-mouse-pad/asus-fragrance-mouse-md101/
📖 Hackländer, R. P., & Bermeitinger, C. (2017). Olfactory context-dependent memory and the effects of affective congruency. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 43(10), 1631–1645.
📖 Herz, R. S. (1997). Emotion experienced during encoding enhances odor retrieval cue effectiveness. American Journal of Psychology, 110(4), 489–505.
📖 Herz, R. S. (1998). Are odors the best cues to memory? A cross-modal comparison of associative memory stimuli. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 855, 670–674.
📖 Herz, R. S. (2016). The role of odor-evoked memory in psychological and physiological health. Brain Sciences, 6(3), 22.
📖 Lopis, S., Martin, C., & Rinck, F. (2023). Odor-evoked memories: The importance of choosing the right odor. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 1200448.
📖 Masaoka, Y., Sugiyama, H., Katayama, A., Kashiwagi, F., Homma, I. (2012). Slow breathing and emotions associated with odor-induced autobiographical memories. Chemical Senses, 37(4), 379–388.
📖 Sorokowska, A., Schriever, V. A., & Hummel, T. (2022). Odor-based context-dependent memory: Influence of olfactory cues on declarative and nondeclarative memory indices. Chemical Senses, 47, 1–10.
📖 Woo, E., Berlow, Y. A., Fong, M. W., Smiley, J. F., & Yassa, M. A. (2023). Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 964315.
