December 3rd 2009
Perhaps you can’t judge a book by its cover, but there’s a wealth of information to be gleaned from its scent.
Old books give off an unmistakable, musty odor. Scientists have developed a new test that can measure the condition of old books and precious historical documents on the basis of their aroma.
Strlie and his team surveyed the VOC emissions from 72 paper samples in different stages of decay. From those results, the researchers developed a series of scent markers for the structural stability of documents, books and other paper materials.
The familiar odors of old books, which Strlie’s study describes as “a combination of grassy notes with a tang of acids and a hint of vanilla” varies depending on the chemical reactions and oxidation rates of paper ingredients, such as ash, cellulose, rosin and lignin.
The paper manufacturing era of each book can also reveals a lot about its condition.
“It’s really the technology revolution after 1850 that led to what we call ‘acid paper’ that degrades very rapidly,” Strlie told Discovery News. “Today, for books produced from 1890 to 1900, the pages are already very brittle.
With current testing technology, analyzing such fragile books and heritage documents for preservation and exhibition is often a tedious process. This new scent test, however, could save conservators time and allow them to examine the papers nondestructively.
May 30th 2009
@Aroma in Japan releases “USB Aroma Time”. A USB based aroma diffuser that simply plugs into a your computer. USB Aroma time comes in 2 different fragrances “ON time” and “OFF time”. Designed for the workplace environment “ON time” can help you concentrate, whilst “OFF time” you guessed it helps you relax.
Follow the Link: www.at-aroma.com
August 26th 2008
Club Med have already been scenting shared areas of their Crested Butte and Cancun Yucatan resorts for several years. As a guest you can relax in the lounge for a cocktail, or be re-energized in the fitness centre.
Now Club Med is taking the guest experience to the next level. Later this year in their Bahamas resort, they will be offering guests a personalized scenting experience. Guests will be able to choose from different scents according to their personal needs. Just like you receive a room service menu, guests will also receive a Scent Menu. The menu will outline scents available and detail the health and psychological benefits of each aroma.
So next time you order room service, be sure to ask for some scents with that!
Source: Modern Agent Travel Pulse 17 June 2008.
www.modernagent.com
August 26th 2008
Many experts tell us that drinking too much coffee is not good for you. However, trying to cut out your morning coffee is easier said than done.
But the mornings are starting to look more promising. A recent animal study in Japan discovered that the smell of coffee bean might have an effect on our mind and levels of productivity. Although the tests are at the early stages, the response by the rats that were exposed to the coffee beans was impressive against those that were not.
The tests lead to discussions of workplaces scenting the coffee aroma to increase work levels amongst employees.
It’s not yet known if humans are affected in the same way, but let’s hope so.
Source: www.nhs.uk
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