Secrets from a Trained Nose | Michelle Krell Kydd | TEDxUofM

In her vividly fragrant talk, she emphasizes the sense of smell and how important it is to one's identity and everyday life. She then shares the horrors and dangers of what it's like to lose that sense, and then proposes some solutions to help people who have already lost theirs.
Michelle Krell Kydd is the Communications Specialist for ArtsEngine and The Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru) at the University of Michigan. She also has one of the best noses in the world, and is an olfaction and fragrance expert. She puts this skill to good use by using olfaction to promote the art-science connection via interdisciplinary collaboration. Ms. Kydd is the editor of the award-winning blog Glass Petal Smoke and conducts Smell and Tell lectures on campus and in the Ann Arbor Community.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@CristinaMartinez-ln3rh]

I have a terrible cold that has messed up my sense of smell for a week. I have never had a cold this bad and it feels devastating to me to lose my sense of smell as I am a fragrance lover. My sense of smell has never been too sharp, but it has worked well enough to enjoy things. I’ve feel completely disconnected all week and depressed, to be honest. I’m praying it returns as soon as I recover.

[@Coveskipper]

Just want to share that I am a Congenital Anosmic. Meaning I have never had a sense of smell. This whole talk is incomprehensible to me and a little maddening because of how important the trigger to memory is. I likewise have always feared gas and smoke. So, please, all you engineers out there, find a way. The other thing she didn't get into was the vocabulary of smell. How does one arrive at the proper word for a smell? She mentioned notes and pitch. As a musician that gives me some sense of how you have to approach it. Music for me is a very visceral experience. But I'm curious what the words are on that flavor wheel. It seems like it must be a catch-22. Which came first, the chicken or the smell? Or is it? Is a smell always like some other smell, always tied to a physical object or named substance? Also, there is no sign language for smell. Think about it. It really an invisible world of deprivation. There aren't many of us, but we have these common experiences and have found each other on FB. This woman is part of the group.

[@glasspetalsmoke]

Coveskipper Two congenital anosmics from The University of Michigan were interviewed by The Michigan Daily after the TEDxUofM talk. One was at the TEDxUofM event. The other is a student I met last semester who was born without a sense of smell and didn't know there was a word for it. Acquired anosmics outnumber congenital anosmics, but that might be an assumption worth challenging. We don't talk about smell a lot in the culture. Here's the link to the story: www.michigandaily.com/news/congenital-anosmia-navigating-world-without-smell Regarding developing a vocabulary for smell I would say that you are quite insightful. Smells can't be seen by the naked eye, but they are there, so it is a question of decoding the invisible. That comes with simile and consensus. Sometimes it's a memory vignette (e.g. that smells like my Grandmother's house in the summer). Using cross sensory language when a sensation is invisible is quite common. We do this for music. Thanks for leaving a comment and sharing your experience with congenital anosmia. I hope a well designed and affordable 3:1 smoke, carbon monoxide, and natural gas detector is invented. It's important for everyone; even those who can smell.

[@sarahjomaa626]

glasspetalsmoke I have to admit, as a congenital anosmic, watching this video was almost painful. Since I was born without a sense of smell I don't really know what I'm missing out on, so I'm rather apathetic about it all. There are times here and there where I get frustrated or wistful, but something else will come along to distract me a few minutes later and I'll forget about it. This, though. Hearing you describe smelling; it sounds beautiful. Like Coveskipper said, this thing about notes and pitch, I have no idea what that's about. I'm not a musician either, so I'm truly lost when it comes to those. I try and tell myself that hey, I can't smell gross things, it can't be all bad. But then things like this happen :\ And, to be perfectly honest, if somehow someday, there was a cure, I don't know if I'd take it. I've lived my whole life without it. It kind of scares me, the idea of gaining a whole new sense, having to learn how to use it from scratch like no one else has ever had to before. I wonder if it'd be too overwhelming, if I wouldn't be able to get used to it.

[@glasspetalsmoke]

Sarah Jomaa The thoughtfulness and honesty with which you communicate what it's like to live as a congenital anosmic in an olfactory world speaks volumes. Sensorial empathy is part of connecting with others. You have made me think more deeply about this aspect which I cannot experience as an "olfie". What I find more powerful is what you have said about the idea of having smell turned on when you've never had it before. Most of us can't remember being born, but I'm guessing that the trauma of birth includes a simultaneous series of firsts for every sense. This is probably overwhelming, so it's a good thing most of us don't remember being born. With regard to "missing a sense" I think that human resilience extends to the senses. What you lack in olfaction you gain in other senses that work separately and in tandem so you can receive information that shapes the way you move in the world. Thank you for your honesty; and for speaking with The Michigan Daily. I wonder if other anosmics will declare themselves at The University of Michigan because of your candor.

[@joolzzenda]

I'm a congenital anosmic and it really frustrates me that there isn't a good natural gas detector that I can buy. I've never had to live alone and I don't think I could because I would be too paranoid. On two occasions I've not noticed that hob didn't actually light and I've left the kitchen for a few minutes with gas just flowing into the room. It's really scary. I really think if anosmia was talked about more then maybe a bit more attention would but put to getting one of these things working. I talk about being anosmic on my channel, feel free to take a look if you're interested :)

[@glasspetalsmoke]

I think we will be hearing more about anosmia because of the connection to neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. I also believe that engineers will find a way to make a better natural gas sensor because it is needed for so many reasons. It would have to detect the "mercaptan" additive and natural gas that doesn't have an odorant added to it so the nose can detect it. I'll check out your channel and appreciate the need that motivates your comment; you are spot on.

[@FirstLast-lm8tf]

Add a different chemical that we can make a detector for

[@fgtbossboss5092]

I can detect natural gas too also when was a child i could find a chocolate by smelling that my aunt tried to hide from me

[@maryamdolatkhah2761]

My nose is sharp and strong, i dnt know why no company takes me, despite many years working in flavour area

[@glasspetalsmoke]

Never give up on yourself or your dreams. You can always pursue knowledge on your own. Read, cook, taste and smell as much as you can. Keep a sensory diary and add your thoughts and experiences daily. Be sure to include nature walks as part of your sensory exercises. A life of the mind must be balanced with real life. It’s all about balance as well as managing goals and expectations. You are your own expert!

[@maryamdolatkhah2761]

@@glasspetalsmoke thank you very much for yr guidelines, I keep myself fresh, I might have my own company in near future😘

[@maryamdolatkhah2761]

@@glasspetalsmoke I will keep in touch with you, I have to learn a lot from you, not only perfumery sensory, but also life skills.

[@VeerSinghmechpro]

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[@jackiekowalczyk1083]

I was forwarded this from a friend. Thought it was a bit inappropriate considering I am also a Congenital Anosmic. Found it fascinating but also a little upsetting. It was interesting to know the things this woman misses because she can no longer smell. Half of those things I didn't even know smelled...

[@janewaithera20]

I have never smelt anything, be it pleasant or bad.What could be wrong? How I wish to smell something one day

[@user-cr2ro9tt2z]

It’s since how many days ?

[@bonniel4325]

Your talk was very interesting and informative, thanks for sharing. I would love to know, what was your process for getting a position at Givaudan to receive their training? I'm guessing you have a background in the sciences. Do I have to go back to college for a degree in Chemistry if I want to be considered for a perfumery training program? Thanks

[@fernandomilan8754]

Nice lecture. But she tries to make it more important than it really is. It’s emotional and social, but not actually vital. Considering the gas part she tries to stress, there are devices and other modern day solutions to prevent it. She didn’t need to push. Ended up being kinda cheesy and self indulgent.

[@user-cr2ro9tt2z]

Though u said so much about smell , your talk will depress people suffering from anosmia.. not a great talk