New mechanism uncovered for the reduction of emu wings

The lack of muscle at the distal wings leads to bone reduction and asymmetry

Tokyo Institute of Technology

 

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Emu wings exhibit a left-right asymmetry in the reduction and fusion of skeletal elements.

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Credit: Professor Mikiko Tanaka

Researchers have uncovered a fascinating mechanism behind the reduction and asymmetry of emu wing bones. The wings not only show significant shortening, but the skeletal elements also fuse asymmetrically, a phenomenon traced back to the absence of muscle formation in the distal regions of the wings. During development, this lack of muscle leads to insufficient mechanical stress, which is crucial for proper bone formation. The team identified muscle progenitor cells with a unique dual identity, combining characteristics of both somite１-derived myogenic and lateral plate mesoderm2 cells. These cells undergo cell death during muscle development, preventing the formation of distal muscles. The study highlights how differences in embryonic and fetal movement may play a pivotal role in driving morphological evolution, shedding light on the complex developmental processes that shape skeletal structures.

Professor Mikiko Tanaka from the School of Life Science and Technology at Tokyo Institute of Technology, along with her team, including former graduate students Eriko Tsuboi and Ingrid Rosenburg Cordeiro, and current graduate student Satomi Ono, in collaboration with Professor Shuji Shigenobu of the National Institute for Basic Biology, Professor Guojun Sheng of Kumamoto University, and Professor Masataka Okabe of Jikei University School of Medicine, have uncovered a novel mechanism underlying the skeletal reduction and asymmetry of emu wings. Their research reveals that the absence of distal muscle formation results in a lack of mechanostress during development, leading to the observed bone abnormalities. Furthermore, the study identified the presence of muscle progenitor cells with a dual identity, which undergo cell death during the differentiation into muscle fibers, thereby preventing proper muscle formation. This research suggests that variations in embryonic and fetal movement could play a significant role in shaping the body parts throughout evolution. These findings will be published in Nature Communications on September 19, 2024.

Background

The emu is a flightless bird with wings that have undergone significant reduction. Despite this, the precise mechanisms behind the morphological changes in their wings have remained largely unknown. In this study, the research team demonstrated that the skeletal reduction in emu wings is not only characterized by shortening but also by an asymmetric fusion of bones. They identified that these skeletal abnormalities are caused by a lack of muscle formation at the distal wings, which results in insufficient movement during development – which is required for the shaping the embryonic and fetal skeleton. Additionally, the study discovered that the presence of muscle progenitor cells in emu wings that exhibit a dual identity, combining features of both somite-derived muscle progenitor cells and lateral plate mesoderm cells. These cells undergo cell death during the differentiation into muscle fibers, leading to a failure in muscle formation. The findings suggest that differences in embryonic and fetal movement can significantly influence morphological evolution.

Research Findings

The research team confirmed that the bones of emu wings are not only shortened but also show significant variation in pattern and length between individuals, and even between the left and right wings of the same individual (Figure 1). This distinctive skeletal pattern is linked to the lack of muscle formation at the distal region of their wings, which leads to inadequate mechanical stress during bone development. The study also revealed that the presence of muscle progenitor cells with a dual identity—combining characteristics of both somite-derived muscle progenitor cells and lateral plate mesoderm cells—results in cell death during the muscle fiber formation (Figure 2). This cell death disrupts the development of the wing's muscle structure, leading to immobilization and subsequent skeletal abnormalities.

Societal Impact

This study highlights the crucial role that embryonic and fetal movement plays not only in the elongation of skeletal elements but also in the symmetrical patterning of bones. The findings underscore the significant impact that insufficient embryonic movement, particularly in cases of muscle formation defects like those observed in emus, can have on skeletal evolution. The research suggests that environmental factors influencing embryonic and fetal movement could have far-reaching effects on morphological evolution and diversification.

Future Directions

This research has demonstrated the profound impact that embryonic and fetal movement can have on the evolution of skeletal morphology. Moving forward, the team plans to investigate how variations in embryonic and fetal movement might influence skeletal evolution across vertebrates. This groundbreaking study opens new avenues for understanding the role of environmental factors in shaping the evolution of morphology through their effects on embryonic and fetal movement.

Funding

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP20H03301, and JP17KT0106, MEXT KEKNHI JP18H04818, NIBB Collaborative Research Program (21-357), Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders, Mitsubishi Foundation and Yamada Science Foundation to M.T.

Glossary

1. Somite: Block-like structures found in the embryos of developing vertebrates. Somites give rise to cells that form muscles, bones, and the dermis of the skin. Typically, the muscles of the limbs originates from somites.
2. Lateral Plate Mesoderm: A portion of the mesoderm located on the outer side of the embyo, responsible for forming the limb buds, body wall, heart, and blood vessels.

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About Tokyo Institute of Technology

Tokyo Tech stands at the forefront of research and higher education as the leading university for science and technology in Japan. Tokyo Tech researchers excel in fields ranging from materials science to biology, computer science, and physics. Founded in 1881, Tokyo Tech hosts over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students per year, who develop into scientific leaders and some of the most sought-after engineers in industry. Embodying the Japanese philosophy of “monotsukuri,” meaning “technical ingenuity and innovation,” the Tokyo Tech community strives to contribute to society through high-impact research.

https://www.titech.ac.jp/english/

 

Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) will be established on October 1, 2024, following the merger between Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), with the mission of “Advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society.”

https://www.isct.ac.jp/en

 

Proposed Model: Emtionu wing buds contain muscle progenitor cells with dual somite-derived myogenic and lateral plate mesodermal signature. These cells undergo cell death, which hinders the normal development of wing muscles. As a result, the lack of mechanical stress from muscle contractions leads to shortened bones and asymmetric fusion of skeletal elements.

Credit

Professor Mikiko Tanaka / Nature Communication

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Journal

Nature Communications

DOI

10.1038/s41467-024-52203-x 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Animals

Article Title

Immobilization secondary to cell death of muscle precursors with a dual transcriptional signature contributes to the emu wing skeletal pattern

Article Publication Date

19-Sep-2024

 

Zeroing in on the genes that snakes use to produce venom

Field Museum

 

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The common death adder, one of the world’s most venomous snakes. Photo by Christopher C. Austin.

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Credit: Photo by Christopher C. Austin.

Only about ten percent of the world’s roughly 4,000 snake species have venom strong enough to seriously hurt a human, but that’s enough for snake bites to be an important public health concern. To help better understand how snakes make their venom and how venoms differ from one species to another, researchers developed a new way to zero in on the genes that snakes use in venom production. Their work was published in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources.

“We’ve developed a tool that can tell us which venom-producing genes are present across an entire snake family in one fell swoop,” says Sara Ruane, the Assistant Curator of Herpetology in the Field Museum’s Negaunee Integrative Research Center and the study’s senior author. 

All living things contain DNA, a molecule that provides chemical instructions for building and operating an organism’s body. These instructions are called a genome, and smaller sections of the genome are called genes. The human genome, for instance, is made up of about 20,000 genes, which contain instructions for everything from cell growth to eye color. 

In snakes, there are thousands of genes involved with producing venom, and different species of venomous snakes use different combinations and versions of those genes to produce their toxins. 

“It’s important to know what’s in a snake’s venom, because different kinds of venom do different things-- some venoms affect the nervous system, some affect the circulatory system, some affect cell function,” says Ruane. “Knowing what’s in a certain kind of venom can help in the development of antivenom for treating that kind of snakebite.” 

What’s more, there are compounds in snake venoms that are actually used in pharmaceutical development and human medicine-- for instance, the first ACE-inhibitor drug for treating high blood pressure was created from a compound found in the venom of a Brazilian pit viper. “You can harness the power of death in a controlled way,” says Ruane.

Since there are thousands of genes that produce venom and each snake’s genome contains tens of thousands of genes, it can be difficult to zero in on the ones present for venom production in a given species. To solve this problem, Ruane and her colleagues, led by the study’s first author, Scott Travers, developed a technique called VenomCap.

VenomCap is a set of exon-capturing probes, which are groups of molecules designed to interact with a specific group of genes. VenomCap was designed to bind with any of the several thousands of genes that previous studies have shown are involved with venom production in snakes. Rather than having to sequence a snake’s entire genome (a lengthy and expensive process) and combing through it for 2,000+ possible venom-making genes, VenomCap could provide a quicker, easier means for scientists to see which of these genes a snake possesses. 

To test VenomCap’s ability to bind with venom-producing genes, the researchers took tissue samples from 24 kinds of snakes across the medically important family Elapidae, which includes cobras, mambas, and coral snakes. Previous genomic studies have already shown many of the venom-producing genes these snakes have, and VenomCap was able to match those results, on average, with 76% accuracy. VenomCap can be used with previously collected tissues from anywhere in a snake’s body, rather than needing to come from the venom glands directly, which is another frequently used technique for determining venom genes in snakes.

Since VenomCap can be used to analyze venom genes from individual species across the whole elapid family (about 400 species), it may make it easier for scientists to study the relationships between these snakes’ lifestyles and the venoms they produce. “Let’s say you’re interested in some closely-related species of snakes that look different from each other, live in different environments, and eat different things. VenomCap could help scientists compare the venoms that these snakes produce, and that could help answer bigger-picture questions of whether venoms evolve to match the snakes’ lifestyles, or if their lifestyles evolve to match the venom they produce,” says Ruane.

In addition to shining a light on snake evolution, a tool like VenomCap could make a difference for scientists trying to treat dangerous snake bites. “Snake bite is considered a neglected disease on the global-scale. In the United States, we don’t come into contact with venomous snakes that often, and when we do, we have extremely good medical treatment-- if you expeditiously go to the hospital with a snakebite, you are almost certainly not going to die,” says Ruane. “But in other parts of the world, a hospital might be too far away to reach in time, or they might not have the right kind of antivenom on hand, because antivenom is in very short supply. So any kind of work that looks at snake venom and helps us identify the venoms present in different species can be extremely important to provide baseline data for developing effective treatments.”

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Journal

Molecular Ecology Resources

Article Title

VenomCap: An exon-capture probe set for the targeted sequencing of snake venom genes

Article Publication Date

19-Sep-2024

 

Significant impact of partners' ADHD on women's mental health and quality of life new study reveals

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

A new study highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD. The research reveals that the partners' ADHD symptoms are linked to higher rates of depression and lower quality of life in women. However, women who engage in health-promoting activities experience fewer depressive symptoms and improved well-being. The findings suggest that ADHD treatment should not only focus on the individual with ADHD but also consider the well-being of their partners, offering new opportunities for supportive interventions. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and develop targeted solutions.

 

A new study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders conducted by researchers Dana Zeides Taubin, Haya Fogel-Grinvald, and Prof. Adina Maeir, from the School of Occupational Therapy at Hebrew University, sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of women in relationships with partners diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research explores the connection between partners' ADHD symptoms and women's mental health and quality of life, offering valuable insights for clinicians and couples alike.

The study's results indicate that:

• Women partnered with individuals diagnosed with ADHD may face an increased risk of depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.
• Partners with ADHD who have more difficulties in daily functioning are linked to higher levels of depression in women and a lower quality of life for them.
• Engagement in health-promoting activities (HPA) by women is positively linked to their quality of life and negatively associated with depressive symptoms.

This research has implications for clinical practice and underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to adult ADHD treatment. Clinicians are encouraged to consider not only the individual diagnosed with ADHD but also the experiences and well-being of their partners.

The study suggests that incorporating health-promoting activities into therapeutic strategies may be beneficial for partners of individuals with ADHD. This finding opens new avenues for developing supportive interventions tailored to this often-overlooked group.

The researchers noted: “Our findings emphasize the importance of viewing ADHD as a condition that impacts not only the individual but also their close relationships. By addressing the well-being of partners, we can take a more holistic approach to treatment, offering both individuals and couples the tools they need to improve their quality of life.”

While these findings are significant, the researchers emphasize the need for longitudinal studies to further examine the directionality of these associations and to develop targeted interventions. Such research could provide a more nuanced understanding of the long-term impacts of ADHD on relationships and partner well-being.

This study marks an important step in recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by partners of individuals with ADHD, paving the way for more inclusive and effective treatment approaches.

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Journal

Journal of Attention Disorders

DOI

10.1177/10870547241280607 

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Women Living With a Partner Diagnosed With ADHD

Article Publication Date

16-Sep-2024

 

Enrollment of undocumented students at California universities dropped from 2016 to 2023

UC researchers point to increasing restrictions on enrollment, job availability for DACA students

Peer-Reviewed Publication

University of California - Davis

Enrollment of low-income, undocumented students declined by half at University of California and California State University campuses from 2016 through the 2022-23 academic year, according to a new study by the University of California Civil Rights Project at UCLA and UC Davis School of Law. 

The paper, “‘California Dreamin’: DACA’s Decline and Undocumented College Student Enrollment in the Golden State” is believed to be the first to report on data collected during an era marked by increasing limitations on DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. 

Further, researchers found, for UC and CSU low-income undocumented students overall (new and continuing students) there was a 30% decline between 2018-19 and 2022-23. This reflects a delayed impact as earlier large cohorts took time to graduate.

Given existing state laws intended to provide equal access for undocumented students who grew up in California, the authors attribute the stark declines to the gradual constrictions on DACA since 2017, which worsened after a Texas federal district court’s national injunction in 2021 blocking the processing of new DACA applications, researchers said. Restrictions make it more difficult for Gen Z undocumented college students to obtain legal employment and other benefits that make college more accessible and affordable, researchers said.

The study, authored by William C. Kidder, research associate at the UCLA Civil Rights Project, and Kevin R. Johnson, professor and former dean, UC Davis School of Law, is forthcoming in the Journal of College & University Law. 

“As a researcher and as an administrator who has worked in both the UC and CSU, what surprised me was just how consistent the findings were across the two university systems,” said Kidder, referring to new Dream Act enrollment declines of 51% at UC and 48% at CSU since 2016-17 and other key findings. “I believe that underscores how common it is for young Gen Z undocumented college students to struggle when DACA is beyond reach and when they are excluded from campus jobs and surrounding labor markets.”

The study compared low-income undocumented students with low- and lower-middle income students at UC and CSU with similar academic profiles. The absence of declines among these control groups highlights the unique challenges faced by undocumented students today. It also supports the authors’ conclusion that the stifling of DACA plays a major role in explaining why undocumented college students are having such a difficult time pursuing the dream of a university education, the authors said.

“The study serves as a reminder that action is needed to address the fading away of DACA, which benefited so many young noncitizens,” said Johnson. “Hopefully, Congress and the president in the future work to address the issues.” 

The California state legislature passed Assembly Bill 2586, known as the Opportunity for All Act, which would prevent the UC, CSU and California Community Colleges from disqualifying students from applying for campus employment due to their failure to provide proof of federal work authorization. The bill was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month.

“California is as an upper-bound test case with the strongest, longest and arguably most robust set of state laws and university-level aid policies to support undocumented college students including in the realm of financial aid,” the authors wrote. 

Even so, given the gradual demise of DACA for recent cohorts of young Gen Z undocumented students hoping for access to quality higher education opportunities, the data show those opportunities are declining, the authors said. 

 

 

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Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

California Dreamin’: DACA’s Decline and Undocumented College Student Enrollment in the Golden State

Article Publication Date

1-Nov-2024

 

Breakthrough in hydrogen research

More efficient isotope separation in sight

Universität Leipzig

 

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Illustration of the preferential binding of heavy hydrogen (blue) to light hydrogen (white) at the metal centre, activated by the binding of a water molecule (oxygen red, hydrogen white).

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Credit: Leipzig University

Protium, or hydrogen-1, is the most common form of hydrogen. Deuterium, known as heavy hydrogen, is playing an increasingly important role, for example in the development of more stable and effective pharmaceuticals. A mixture of deuterium and tritium, “super-heavy” hydrogen, serves as the fuel for nuclear fusion, a sustainable energy source of the future. One of the unsolved problems in hydrogen research is how to provide these isotopes in a highly pure form in an efficient and cost-effective way, as they have very similar physical properties. Current isotope separation processes are not very efficient and consume vast amounts of energy. 

“It has been known for almost 15 years that porous metal-organic frameworks can, in principle, be used to purify and separate hydrogen isotopes. However, this has only been possible at very low temperatures, around minus 200 degrees Celsius – conditions that are very costly to implement on an industrial scale,” says Professor Knut Asmis from the Wilhelm Ostwald Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at Leipzig University and spokesperson for the Research Training Group. He adds that the separation mechanism is based on the strongly favoured adsorption of one of the isotopes present on one of the free metal centres in the porous solid. Adsorption is a process by which atoms, ions or molecules from a gas or liquid adhere to a solid, often porous, surface.

The doctoral researchers of the 1,2,3H Research Training Group Elvira Dongmo, Shabnam Haque and Florian Kreuter, who are all members of one of the research groups led by Professor Thomas Heine (TU Dresden), Professor Knut Asmis and Professor Ralf Tonner-Zech (both Leipzig University), have now gained a deeper insight into the influence of the framework environment on binding selectivity. This means the question of why one of the isotopes is more likely to stick than the other. This was deciphered in detail in the present study through a synergistic interplay between state-of-the-art spectroscopy, quantum chemical calculations and chemical binding analysis on a model system. “For the first time, we have been able to show the influence of the individual atoms of the framework compounds on adsorption. We can now optimise them in a targeted manner in order to obtain materials with high selectivity at room temperature,” says Heine. 

The 1,2,3H Research Training Group, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with 5.4 million euros over 4.5 years, has been training more than 20 doctoral researchers since October 2021. It combines the expertise of Leipzig University, TU Dresden, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering in order to develop novel materials, more effective drugs and more sensitive detection methods by bundling funding for basic research and training in the field of hydrogen isotopes. The second cohort of around 15 to 20 doctoral researchers will begin their three-year structured doctoral programme on 1 October 2024.

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Journal

Chemical Science

DOI

10.1039/D4SC04582C 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Direct evidence for ligand-enhanced activity of Cu(I) sites†

Article Publication Date

18-Sep-2024

 

‘Alarming rise’ in suicidality among Black youth in Chicago’s South Side

Case Western Reserve University

Traditionally, Black Americans have faced a significantly lower risk of suicide compared to their white counterparts.

But increasing factors like bullying, community violence, and “neglectful” parenting are contributing to a broader trend of mental health crises among youth in disadvantaged communities, according to a new study led by Case Western Reserve University.

The key finding: an “alarming” increase in suicidality among Black youth in American cities.

“Our findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the multiple, intersecting factors contributing to this crisis,” said the study’s primary researcher Dexter Voisin, dean of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve.

The research, published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, surveyed 114 Black adolescents and their caregivers on Chicago’s South Side between 2013-14. Risk factors identified include depression, bullying, exposure to community violence and “neglectful” parenting. The study’s use of a matched data set—comparing perspectives from both adolescents and their caregivers—made the research particularly rigorous, Voisin said.

Other takeaways:

• Nearly one in seven youths reported suicidal thoughts within the past week.
• From 2018-21, the suicide rate among Black youth increased 37%, and suicide ideation and attempt-related medical visits rose 84%.
• Solutions include focusing on mental health support, violence prevention and strengthening family and community resources, Voisin said.

“The results of this research are generalizable to other cities and other areas with similar size and similar populations,” he said. “The story of the South Side of Chicago is also the story of the East Side of Cleveland. It’s also the same story for low-income Black kids living in Detroit.”

The study found that authoritarian parenting—a style traditionally more common among Black families—has served as a protective factor against suicidality. However, a recent rise in “neglectful” parenting was associated with higher risks of suicidality. Interestingly, researchers also found that receiving public assistance was associated with a lower suicide risk.

Schools, churches and community organizations—such as recreation centers—could play a vital role in implementing these programs and creating supportive environments where youth residing in low-resourced communities can thrive, the study concluded.

“Schools are one of the last safety nets for these youth,” Voisin said, noting the culturally-appropriate screening approaches serve a crucial role in suicide prevention.

Study collaborators included Saijun Zhang, from the University of Mississippi, Jun Sung Hong, from Wayne State University, and Xinyi Li from George Mason University.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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Journal

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners

DOI

10.1016/j.nurpra.2024.105165 

Method of Research

Meta-analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Ecological Contexts and Suicidality among Marginalized African American Youth

Article Publication Date

1-Oct-2024

 

first-of-its-kind global scent digitization challenge

Digital Olfaction Society (DOS) launches global initiative to digitize and transmit scents for reproduction in Tokyo

Mitochondria-Microbiota Task Force

 

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A smart necklace demonstration will be showcased during DOS 2024 Congress , integrated with advanced e-noses for real-time scent detection.

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Credit: Digital Olfaction Society (DOS)

The Digital Olfaction Society (DOS) is leading a groundbreaking global initiative to capture, digitize, and transmit scents from cities around the world, with the goal of reproducing them in Tokyo. This ambitious project aims to digitally archive and recreate the unique fragrances of diverse locations, offering an unprecedented way to experience cultural diversity through scent.

About the Project

DOS invites teams from across the globe to participate in this unique challenge by digitizing scents that represent the cultural essence of their regions. Whether from major cities like Berlin and New York, or locations with distinctive aromas, contributors will play a vital role in creating a vast digital scent archive. A dedicated team in Tokyo will work to faithfully reconstitute these digital scent signatures, with the final technology reveal planned for 2025.

Though the project has faced delays due to its complexity, and additional funding is still being sought, DOS remains confident in reaching its goal. This initiative promises to launch a new era of olfactory digitization, blending advanced technology with the preservation of cultural heritage.

Call for Support

DOS is actively seeking sponsors and partners to help bring this visionary project to life. If your organization is interested in supporting or contributing to this world-first initiative, please contact the DOS office.

Impact for Sponsors and Cities

This first-of-its-kind challenge offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with a cutting-edge, innovative project that has never been done before. By supporting DOS, your company will gain global exposure and be positioned at the forefront of olfactory and technological innovation.  

Cities participating in this challenge have a special opportunity to highlight their cultural heritage. By organizing this challenge from your city or region, you can boost your local culture, enhance global recognition of your city’s unique scents, and create a signature that will be part of a global digital archive. Showcase your city’s essence and be part of an international movement in olfactory innovation.

For more information or to get involved, contact us at dos[at]digital-olfaction.com.

DOS 2024 Demonstration: Smartwatch 

demonstration will be showcased during DOS 2024 Congress , integrated with advanced e-noses for real-time scent detection.

Credit

Digital Olfaction Society (DOS)

The objective of DOS is to gather, share, and complete the knowledge recently established about olfactory digitization. 

Credit

Digital Olfaction Society (DOS)