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A affected person’s of odor may very well be restored utilizing radio waves with out having to endure surgical procedure, based on new analysis.
Worldwide, there are literally only a few efficient therapies for individuals who have misplaced their sense of odor, maybe from a mind harm. Remedies that do exist usually use robust ‘scentas’ or medicines that may trigger discomfort in sufferers.
Now, a brand new research by researchers in South Korea suggests {that a} “simple and painless” strategy to regenerate the olfactory is to make the most of radio waves to instantly goal the a part of our mind accountable for odor, with out inflicting ache.
Researchers from Hanyang and Kwangwoon universities requested volunteers with a wholesome sense of odor to sit down whereas a small radio antenna was positioned close to, however not touching, their brow.
For 5 minutes, the antenna gently despatched out radio waves to achieve the smell-related nerves deep within the mind.
Earlier than and after the brief remedy, the analysis group examined how properly the affected person might odor very faint odors, equivalent to diluted alcohol or fruit scents.
The researchers additionally recorded the sufferers’ mind alerts to see how lively their odor nerves had been.
The findings, revealed within the journal APL Bioengineering, confirmed that the tactic improved topics’ sense of odor for over every week after only one remedy.
“The method is completely non-invasive—no surgery or chemicals needed—and safe, as it does not overheat the skin or cause discomfort,” mentioned research writer Professor Jang Yon-woong.
“This study represents the first time that a person’s sense of smell has been improved using radio waves without any physical contact or chemicals, and the first attempt to explore radio frequency stimulation as a potential therapy for neurological conditions.”
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One potential weak point within the research pursuant to the concept that the tactic might assist these with olfactory dysfunction is clearly that the sufferers didn’t undergo from it.
Being that the main target was on individuals with a standard sense of odor, nevertheless, the authors word it might assist professionals equivalent to perfumers, cooks, or sommeliers who want to differentiate fragrant subtleties.
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Dr. Jang subsequent plans to conduct an analogous research on individuals with olfactory dysfunction equivalent to anosmia, an entire lack of odor, or hyposmia, a lowered sense of odor.
“This will help us determine whether the treatment can truly benefit those who need it most.”
