SFC/CSA Meeting at Monell: Leading-Edge Sensory Science

Marcia Pelchat, associate member of Monell, explains flavor perception in the brain.
Marcia Pelchat, associate member of Monell, explains flavor perception in the brain.

As Marcia Pelchat, associate member of the Monell Center, put it, “Flavor happens in the brain.” Pelchat and her colleagues presented an update on the latest organoleptic and olfactive research and understanding, including taste receptors in the oral cavity, physiology of the taste bud and brain regions involved in flavor perception. Meanwhile, a reception at Monell provided an exciting glimpse into the organization’s research facilities. Judith McLean demonstrated the technique and technology that allowed for the examination of intact fungiform mouse, pig and human papillae. This research led to new insights into a possible new taste—calcium. Catherine Peyrot discussed the possible anti-inflammatory benefits imparted by the throat-stinging component of olive oil. Paul Wise’s entertaining demonstration of nasal lateralization, which can be counteracted via the smell of high-concentration and/or high-impact materials such as ethanol. Read our extended coverage, plus a guest column from Monell, in our April issue.

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