Scientists sniff out smells find

A BREAKTHROUGH by scientists at Edinburgh University on animal scents could help them understand why certain smells evoke nostalgia in humans.

The researchers identified a key hormone which allows the brain to separate new smells from familiar ones.

When the vasopressin hormone is absent from animals, they are unable to recognise each other by smell.

The university said this could also help to work out bonds between humans.

The study was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Director Professor Janet Allen said: "The biological basis of psychological responses can often be extremely complicated, so finding this direct relationship between a hormone and a psycho-social phenomenon could open up a whole wealth of knowledge in this area."