Perceptual convergence of multi-component mixtures in olfaction implies an olfactory white.

ABSTRACT: In vision, two mixtures, each containing an independent set of many different wavelengths, may produce a common color percept termed "white." In audition, two mixtures, each containing an independent set of many different frequencies, may produce a common perceptual hum termed "white noise." Visual and auditory whites emerge upon two conditions: when the mixture components span stimulus space, and when they are of equal intensity. We hypothesized that if we apply these same conditions to odorant mixtures, "whiteness" may emerge in olfaction as well. We selected 86 molecules that span olfactory stimulus space and individually diluted them to a point of about equal intensity. We then prepared various odorant mixtures, each containing various numbers of molecular components, and asked human p

SUBMITTER: Weiss T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3523876 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature