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.
Beyond the Calorie: Why Pleasure, Taste, and Nutrient Balance Matter More Than Counting
If you’ve ever stood in line at a café debating between the healthy grain bowl and the irresistible pastry, you know the drill. One option feels like self-care; the other, like sin. But what if I told you that the most sustainable path to health isn’t about restriction—it’s about pleasure?
The Scent Quest: How Givaudan is Making Memory a Game on Roblox
There’s a new frontier in gaming, and it doesn’t just rely on the usual dopamine rush of leveling up or hoarding digital gold. This one is driven by something more primal—your sense of smell. Yes, smell. In a bold, unexpected move, fragrance giant Givaudan has launched Guardians of Memories on Roblox, a game where players restore lost memories through the power of scent. Think Zelda, but instead of wielding a sword, you’re sniffing your way to victory.
February 27th is Anosmia awareness day
Check out this special online presentation in honor of 2025 Anosmia Awareness Day, where leading experts explore the latest advancements in diagnosing, treating, and managing smell and taste disorders.
Antioxidants in fruits and flowers seem to counteract harmful effects of microplastics, study shows
Anthocyanins in nuts, fruits and vegetables seem to lessen harmful effects of microplastics on reproductive systems
Come to Your Senses
Sensory wellness is often overlooked by consumer packaged goods manufacturers. In this “Expert Opinion” piece in Happi magazine, WTSA Board member, Amy Marks-McGee encourages consumer packaged goods manufacturers and fragrance and flavor suppliers to recognize the importance of nurturing, optimizing and expanding sensory experiences.
Create A Sensory Self-Love Ritual
Valentine’s Day is often framed as a celebration of romance, but what if we reframed it as a day to nurture the most important relationship of all—the one we have with ourselves? Love, after all, begins from within. And what better way to honor self-love than through the senses—taste, smell, and the rituals that nourish us from the inside out?
How Certain Smells Unlock Our Deepest Memories
Smell has an uncanny ability to transport us through time, resurrecting moments with a clarity that other senses struggle to match. But why does this happen? And why do some scents summon entire chapters of our past while others barely leave an imprint?
The Mechanism of Hypoarousal and Depression: A Neurosensory Perspective
From a neuroscientific and sensory perspective, hypoarousal is a state of diminished physiological and psychological activation. It is often linked to depressive disorders, dissociation, and even trauma-related conditions, where the body and mind retreat into a low-energy state as a survival mechanism. Unlike the hyperactive, anxious distress often associated with depression, hypoarousal presents as lethargy, emotional numbness, and cognitive slowing — what many describe as feeling “shut down” or “disconnected.”
How Our Brain Processes Scents: A New Look at Olfactory Neuroscience
A new study found that our brain does not process scents in isolation—neurons in the piriform cortex and amygdala also respond to related visual images
Eleanor Maguire: Pioneering Neuropsychologist and Memory Researcher
Eleanor Maguire, a distinguished neuropsychologist renowned for her groundbreaking research on human memory, has passed away. Her innovative work, particularly the study involving London taxi drivers, significantly advanced our understanding of the brain’s capacity for spatial navigation and memory.
Non-GMO Project Launches New Certification to Address Ultra-Processed Foods
The Non-GMO Project, best known for its rigorous verification of non-genetically modified ingredients, has expanded its focus with the introduction of the Non-UPF Verified Program. This initiative aims to help consumers identify food products that steer clear of excessive processing—a growing concern in today’s health-conscious market.
The Untapped Power of Sensory Health in Sports
As the Super Bowl approaches, the world is once again captivated by the raw power, precision, and endurance of elite athletes. Every player on the field has fine-tuned their body to perform at peak levels, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to optimizing recovery, nutrition, and mental well-being. But amidst the conversations on diet plans, sleep cycles, and injury rehabilitation, one essential factor is still missing: sensory health.
New Study Finds Smell Loss A Associated with More Than 100 Medical Conditions
The extensive range of conditions correlated to smell loss suggests a deeper, more fundamental connection between our sense of smell and overall health.
Call for Papers: Barcelona Perfumery Congress 2025
The Barcelona Perfumery Congress (www.perfumerycongress.com) has announced a deadline extension for its Call for Papers for its sixth edition scheduled for June 18-19, 2025.
Looking for a Better Life?
A recent article in The Guardian, “The Big Idea: Looking for a Better Life? Follow Your Nose,” delves into the profound role our sense of smell plays in shaping our emotions, memories, and overall well-being. Despite being one of our most powerful senses, olfaction is often overlooked in daily life. The piece highlights how certain scents can evoke vivid memories, alter mood, and even impact decision-making.
How Cancer Treatments Affect Taste and Quality of Life
February 4th marks World Cancer Day, a time to reflect on the progress made in cancer treatments and the lives saved through medical advancements. Breakthroughs in oncology have transformed cancer from a once-terminal diagnosis into a manageable disease for many, with improved survival rates and innovative therapies. However, alongside these successes, the long-term effects of treatment on patients’ quality of life remain a critical yet often overlooked issue.
The Science of Taste, Smell, and Love in Valentine’s Day Traditions
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and nothing evokes deep emotions quite like food. The act of sharing a meal has long been a symbol of connection, romance, and sensory delight. Across cultures, flavors and aromas play an essential role in how we express affection, reinforcing the profound link between food, memory, and emotion. But what is the science behind this connection, and why do certain foods become synonymous with romance?
Celebrating Lunar New Year’s Eve: A Feast of Traditions and Good Fortune
Around the world, the start of the new year is marked by traditions that center on food, family, and hope for the future. Whether you’re savoring dumplings, slurping long noodles, or sharing a toast, the act of gathering together is universal. What ties these traditions together is a shared spirit of optimism—a collective wish for happiness, connection, and prosperity in the year to come.
The Rise of the ‘Not Ultra-Processed’ Certification
In a world where grocery store shelves are awash with labels like “natural,” “organic,” and “clean,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, amid this sea of claims, one of the most pressing issues remains largely obscured: the ubiquity of ultra-processed foods.
Why Innovation is a Must in Today’s Food and Beverage Industry
In today’s food and beverage world, innovation isn’t optional—it’s the catalyst for thriving in an ever-changing market. With consumer preferences shifting faster than ever, and powerful trends like plant-based eating, sustainable sourcing, and personalized nutrition reshaping the landscape, companies must evolve continuously—or risk falling behind.
