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.
Barcelona Perfumery Congress
WTSA co-founder, Stephanie Feuer, will be a featured speaker at the 6th edition of the Barcelona Perfumery Congress.
Individuals experiencing extended periods of smell loss after COVID-19 infection reported higher instances of depression and anxiety.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Mons in Belgium has found that prolonged loss of smell (anosmia) following COVID-19 infection is associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety. The study highlights the significant impact that persistent olfactory dysfunction can have on mental health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care for COVID-19 survivors experiencing long-term sensory deficits.
In the mood: A Timely Webinar on Mood-Enhancing Foods & Beverages Set for June 24
From adaptogenic drinks and dopamine-boosting snacks to functional foods for hormonal balance, consumer interest in products that elevate emotional well-being is reshaping the F&B landscape.
How Scents Influence Visual Perception of Movement
Scent can alter visual motion perception—without prior learning.
Chemosensory Dysfunction in Cancer Care: Why Taste and Smell Deserve a Seat at the Table
A 2025 study published in the Journal of Cancer Education by Stromberg et al. makes the case clear: chemosensory dysfunction is common, disruptive, and under-addressed.
Welcome to the Era of Aura Culture
In today’s digital age, our online presence often overshadows our physical reality. “Aura Culture” encapsulates this phenomenon, where the curated digital persona becomes paramount. This shift influences how we perceive authenticity, value, and identity, prompting brands and individuals to navigate the balance between genuine expression and digital representation.
As we delve deeper into this era, understanding and adapting to Aura Culture becomes essential for meaningful engagement and connection in both personal and professional spheres.
New Teeth, New Taste: Dental Implants and Their Effect on Flavor Perception
People are often unaware of the risks to their ability to taste when replacing teeth becomes necessary
When Brand Names Smell Right: The Power of Phonetics & Scent
When a name sounds like the product smells, it creates a more cohesive and memorable experience.
Numb to the Taste: Dental Anesthesia and Taste Loss
The 7 Fragrance Trends Dominating 2025: The Future Is More Than a Scent
From interactive storytelling and sculptural packaging to the rise of indie perfumers and culturally rich narratives, WTSA’s Mindy Yang highlights the industry’s shift towards more personalized and emotionally resonant creations.
Discover how home scenting is becoming a key aspect of wellness and interior design, and how perfumers are finally gaining recognition as the artists behind these olfactory masterpieces.
Read the full article here: The 7 Fragrance Trends Dominating 2025: The Future Is More Than a Scent.
Hate cilantro or anchovies? Evolutionary science could explain why
Complex factors influence our food preferences and aversions. Evolutionary biology, genetics, personal experiences, and cultural backgrounds all come into play.
The First Thing to Go: Smell, Emotion, and the Invisible Onset of Parkinson’s
On April 17, 2025, is so important. At last, it centers emotions—so often pushed to the margins—bringing in experts, patients, and caregivers to discuss the full human experience of Parkinson’s. It’s not just about what you do. It’s about how you feel.
The Botanical Buzz: 6 Emerging Wellness Trends We’re Watching in 2025
Mindy Yang shares six standout wellness trends that you’re likely to see popping up on store shelves, in your favorite wellness influencers’ routines, and maybe even in your own kitchen cabinet this year.
Self-Administered Smell Test May Detect Risk For Alzheimer’s
A self-administered smell test taken at home could help identify older adults who may be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
PRP Treatment Injects Hope for People Suffering From Smell Loss
A lasting treatment for smell loss from Covid may be in a patient’s blood. Clinicians are reporting PRP treatments offer a whiff of hope for people with smell loss.
Recipe for Recovery: Cooking School Therapy Shows Promising Results for Patients with Smell Loss
Participating in a structured cooking school program may significantly improve olfactory function in patients suffering from smell loss.
Taste and Our Oral Microbiome
The human body is a host to several microbiomes, or communities of microscopic organisms, and every taste experience is influenced especially by the most stable of them all - the one found just past your lips.
Call to Action: Your Voice Matters in Advancing Smell and Taste Testing
Together, we can turn personal challenges into powerful advocacy that improves healthcare for millions of Americans living with smell and taste disorders.
The Lasting Impact of Scent Marketing: From Casinos to Retail Stores
One of the earliest and most influential studies on the effects of scent on consumer behavior took place in a Las Vegas casino.
Beyond Sight and Sound: The Rise of Taste-Enabled Virtual Reality
For years, virtual reality has been a mostly visual affair—a world of hyperrealistic landscapes, immersive gaming, and metaverse meetups that promise to feel real. But taste, touch, and smell have remained elusive.
