Welcome to the WTSA Newsroom — a global hub for sensory science, wellness, advocacy, cross-modal creativity, and the future of perception.
Our mission is to advance well-being and sensory awareness through interdisciplinary storytelling, research, advocacy, and innovation. We believe that taste and smell are not just biological senses — they are portals to memory, identity, healing, and connection.
We invite submissions from scientists, clinicians, chefs, perfumers, flavorists, technologists, artists, farmers, philosophers, and storytellers who explore the world through the senses.
Exploring the Next Chapter of Multi-Sensory Dining: New Insights from Menu Matters
Recent insights from Menu Matters reveal a fascinating shift in how diners are more sensorially engaged with their meals.
Awaken Your Senses: The Science and Practice of Smell Training
Smell training is a science-backed method for improving olfactory function, whether you’re recovering from anosmia, navigating parosmia, or simply aiming to refine your sense of smell.
Calling for partners: HITLAB’s Alzheimer’s Disease research study
Our friends at HITLAB is conducting an innovative Alzheimer’s Disease research study focused on developing novel diagnostics and monitoring solution. They are seeking neurologists and independent clinics for collaboration.
The Future of Mouthfeel: Innovations to Watch in 2025
In 2025, mouthfeel innovation is poised to redefine our sensory engagement. Here are some emerging trends with WTSA Co-Founder Mindy Yang’s insights into how they are transforming the food and beverage landscape.
OPPORTUNITY: curatorial fellow Opportunity at MOFAD
MOFAD is seeking a curatorial fellow to assist with the research and curation of our next exhibition. This is a part-time, six-month, grant-funded position ($15,000) beginning in early 2025 (ideal start date early February). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted through the end of January.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars Program
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars Program invites applications from doctoral students who will begin their second year of full-time study in Fall 2025.
Unlock the Secrets of Fruits and Vegetables Through Smell
Have you ever wondered how your sense of smell shapes your connection to food? Discover how the aromas of fruits and vegetables can guide you to the perfect ripeness, elevate your cooking, and spark your curiosity about the natural world.
Dive into this sensory journey and explore how paying attention to smell can transform your relationship with food.
Celebrating Sensitivity and Neurodivergence: A Personal Reflection on Thriving Authentically
Dive into the latest episode of The World of Taste & Smell podcast, where hosts Mindy Yang and Stephanie Feur chat with leadership coach and author Rachel Radway about embracing sensitivity and neurodivergence as strengths. Discover how being “wired differently” can become a superpower, the importance of inclusive workplaces, and the role of sensory perception in connection and innovation. Learn actionable tips for creating supportive environments and hear inspiring stories from Rachel’s upcoming book, Perceptive: Owning Your Power When You’re Wired Differently.
applications Closing soon- WFFC Scholarship Opportunities
Women in Flavor and Fragrance Commerce (WFFC), was founded in 1982 to support women in the industry through networking, education, and career advancement, is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarships:
• Rita Flynn Memorial Fragrance Scholarship
• Flavor Scholarship
• She Works Scholarship
hyper-crunch and other mouthfeel trends
“Hyper-crunch,” “mouthfeel mimicry,” “air,” “next-gen naturality,” “convenience and shelf proof” and “climate-proof food” are trending mouthfeels for 2025. Factors like climate change, busier lifestyles and consumer demand for healthier alternatives will continue to drive product reformulations, and brands that actively work to keep their core products tasting great will thrive,” says Marina Di Migueli, global marketing director for Texturants and Proteins at Tate & Lyle.
3 Facts on Taste, Smell Loss, and Sports Injuries for Athletes
Check out these astounding facts About taste, smell loss, and sports injuries for athletes. If you or someone you know is experiencing taste and smell distortions, please visit our RESOURCES links for support.
teenage boys have grown obsessed with designer fragrances that cost hundreds of dollars.
Smellmaxxing, Explained
Some teenage boys have grown obsessed with designer fragrances that cost hundreds of dollars. The New York Time explains this trend.
Do people who can’t smell really breathe differently?
A new study suggests just that congenital anosmics breather differently than people with normal semll abilities.
Food Technology Magazine: Technology-Driven Flavors
Artificial intelligence and precision fermentation are creating new flavor development options. In “Technology-Driven Flavors”, WTSA’s Alex Woo, Ph.D. and Mindy Yang share how artificial intelligence (AI) and precision fermentation are revolutionizing flavor development in the food industry. AI is enabling companies to create unique, personalized flavors based on consumer preferences and emerging trends, while precision fermentation helps produce rare and sustainable ingredients. These innovations align with consumer demand for natural, healthier, and eco-friendly products, shaping the future of culinary experiences. Technology and nature are intersecting to create flavors that are more delicious and sustainable.
Stefan Carbonaro provokes how we perceive smell using the other four senses in her exhibition
In 4Senses, the artist, who suffers from anosmia ‒ the total and complete loss of the sense of smell ‒ creates a unique narrative that provokes how we perceive smell using the other four senses.
Discover the World of Olfactory Art: Creative Pathways for Scent
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to smell a sculpture or taste a work of art? Can you imagine artwork that engages not only your eyes but your nose, taste, and even touch? This unique world of multi-sensory art is exactly what we’ll be exploring at the upcoming Olfactory Art Panel: Creative Pathways for Scent — an exciting new addition to the World Taste & Smell Association’s programming this October!
Olfactive Bio Unveils Revolutionary Food-Derived Pill to Replace Ozempic
At the recent Global Taste & Smell Summit, Olfactive Biosciences, (also known as “Olfactive Bio”) made a groundbreaking announcement with the potential to reshape the future of health and wellness. President and CEO Nils Lommerin introduced a newly patented, food-derived pill designed to naturally replace Ozempic, the popular medication known for its weight management benefits. This innovative product is slated for launch in January 2025.
The Scent of Inclusion: Unique Perfume Collaboration Has Those Who Can't Smell at its Heart
Emma Dancourt on Being Born with No Sense of Smell, and the Making of Umema, the Perfume She Will Never Smell.
Emma Dancourt on Being Born with No Sense of Smell, and the Making of Umema, the Perfume She Will Never Smell.
The Power of Scent: How Babies Use Their Mothers’ Odor for Facial Recognition
Understanding how olfactory cues impact visual perception in infants could inform early childhood education, parenting practices and therapies for developmental challenges.
