The Connection: Odor + Nose + Brain + Life
I loved the smell of a package I received recently because it reminded me of visiting my grandmother’s house as a child. A colleague gently pointed out that the odor was of moth balls. I just thought it was grandma’s perfume. or medicine.
Another woman’s memories of her grandparents’ home are awakened by the scent of roses. For her, the scent of a rose equates to happiness. One man’s memory of the sweet smell of freshly grown mangoes sends him back to childhood in the South Pacific. He tastes the sweetness of fresh fruits by their aroma.
Everyone has at least one scent that revives the past or conjures an emotion. the association of odors to experiences, places, and people might be negative or positive. Why is that?
A recent interview with a researcher in the field of olfaction imparted the processing of odors by the nose and brain. It breaks down to this:
Odor enters the nose
Odor = molecules
Molecules attach to receptors in the nose (think lock and key)
Signals shoot up to the brain via specialized nerve cells
Brain deciphers the smell
Brain recalls a memory associated with that odor or makes a new memory
Multiple areas of the brain decode odors for distinct purposes. The Olfactory Bulb in the forebrain gathers and relays information to the piriform cortex for smell identification. The orbitofrontal cortex codes for taste. The hippocampus and amygdala decode odor signals for learning and memory functions
Basically, specific areas of our brain process odors differently due to their respective specializations. Each of us has a somewhat unique response to each distinct odor because of our individualized experiences and neuronal processing. So, smell away and have a great day because your brains has taken care of the rest!
Kevin Bolding, PhD decodes smell and the brain in “Interview With A Scientist: Olfaction”.
Is there anything more Americana than the perfect pair of jeans? Jeans are integral to the woman next door. From Cindy C’s Pepsi cut-offs to Brooke’s infamous nothing-in-between pair of Calvin’s, our closets are filled with denims for every moment life offers. The wait for the perfect fitting jean took 20 years. On a scientific level, why do we find long and lean aesthetics more appealing? Could it explain our Ozempic frenzy?
Beer is a paradox. Its ingredients flirt with regeneration, while its alcohol content undermines it. It is a pleasure that comes with a cellular price tag.
When the sun stakes its claim on sky and garden alike, our bodies yearn for relief as much as our palates do. The leafy green trifecta of purslane, frisée and chard arrives with all the panache of a seaside cocktail: bright, refreshing and impossibly good for you. Far from mere garnishes, these summer stalwarts carry a payload of cooling, hydrating and protective compounds.
Sea turtles have survived environmental challenges and natural predators for over 100 million years. While they do not experience anxiety in the same way humans do, they do exhibit stress responses influenced by their environment, health, and even their gut microbiome. The connection between the gut-brain axis and resilience offers fascinating insights into how these ancient mariners navigate their world. They are quite inspiring.
Beyond cortisol and serotonin, several lesser-known biomarkers play a role in emotional regulation, stress response, and cognitive function. BDNF and GSH you probably have heard of due to the ever-pervasive supplement industry. But three here are widely unknown to the general public. The people who can greatly benefit from regulating them.
Pitta-dominant individuals often exhibit heightened HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis activity, leading to increased levels of cortisol and norepinephrine, hormones the research and supplement community harp on as responsible for stress response and alertness. It is true to an extent. But there are innumerable other molecules and pathways responsible for our biggest wellness concerns.
This Summer, every ray is a statement piece. As the sun lingers into sultry evenings, nature whispers secrets of transformation- inviting you to radiate with luminous skin and an enlightened inner glow. Ruled by Pitta- the dosha of heat, metabolism, and digestive fire- this season beckons you to embrace a metamorphosis that effortlessly marries cutting-edge science with time-honored tradition.
Forget astrological compatibility. The future of love and friendship isn’t written in the stars- it’s rooted in something far more grounded. Doshas, the Ayurvedic blueprint of personal energy, dictate everything from how we sleep to how we eat. And when it comes to relationships, that kind of insight may prove more valuable than knowing someone’s rising sign.
Transformation is often mistaken for reinvention, for shedding old identities in favor of something strikingly new. But Ayurveda teaches us something entirely different- that transformation is a return. A refinement. A quiet but deliberate step back to what was always there.
Efforts to become a better version of oneself is increasingly gaining active attention. If the Tik-Tokkers are doing it, it must be a thing right. Diets, exercises, and supplements still play a fundamental role in how we perceive transformation into so-called better people. Why is so many people unhappy with what they chose to become?
Finding the so-called Right One takes more than a swipe and a list of objectives. No love story is as epic as Ram and Sita’s. Not every couple is as swoon-worthy as Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Dali and Gala remain surreal status symbols- dream couple, indeed. Have you become lethargic about love? From soulmate to twin flame, we either complement each other or are a Mary-Kate and Ashley oddity. Both really depend on one word.
These are some of the all-time favorite things that our Editor-in-Chief and Founder love. Dr. Kuver has tested these products for years and has come to love them. She also likes these businesses for their personableness.
Science says money buys happiness. And time. Few can afford either. Prosocial spending results in a jolly mood. There is one caveat. A higher level of happiness comes from buying presents for people who are considered higher on the intimacy list. Love father more than mother? Buy him a $450 million dollar da Vinci and take her out for a $4000 crab feast.
Season’s greetings to those tiny and small shops that have just what any gift list needs. Wines, teas and skincare delight everything from hosts or stockings. No need to seek out the Wizard in Oz, thinking small is beneficial for the brain and heart.
This Halloween, before putting the potion in motion, do not light the black flame candle or forget a fresh “dead man’s”… Broom hoe!
If sitting in Vermont foliage traffic or lining up for upstate apples is not on the itinerary, then head in the opposite-ish direction. The East End offers a calmer setting for the season.
One day away feels better than one day at home or work. The visual, somatosensory and auditory cortices respond positively to experiences that are away from daily responsibilities and in countryside surroundings.
Arround an hour north of the city, Beacon covers all the basics from food to art. Not exactly the woods, but this upstate location offers beautiful foliage views within a bustling town.
This year “transformational change” has taken over. TikTokers figured out that the last 3 months of the year are consequential to how next year will be. It is time to look inside for a total reflection on who one wants to be. A “new” person. Groundbreaking.
A word that once belonged to visionaries, pioneers, and creators has now become ubiquitous- an identity worn by everyone, everywhere, all at once. In a world where everyone is launching something, what does it truly mean to be a founder?
The rise in Ayurveda’s visibility has made healthful living more mainstream, but how accessible is it? Like conventional medicine, traditional healing is ineffective without reasonable access- meaning affordability, availability, and awareness.
Avoid the heat that burns deeper than sunburns and lasts long after heatwaves. Choose foods and drinks that will help you survive the hottest Summers. Be a not instead of hot.
Carissa’s will continue their Kith Treats collaboration throughout the Summer in the Hamptons. Though the first try was unimpressive, I may return for their ice cream sandwich. If you have tasted Carissa’s Miso Chocolate Chip cookie, then you understand the importance of second chances.
We swim with them, then we eat them. Grilled, fried and dried. What’s the best fish in these parts?
The second thing summer brings to mind is strawberries. From Alzheimer’s to fat, who makes these vitamin-c packed berries into a better shortcake?
Chilled, iced but not diced. The disadvantages of low temperature beverages still needs research support.
The sun, the moon and… sweat? Keeping Pitta energy cool this Summer starts before the season. This is how.
INTRVW WITH A SCIENTIST™
Q&A WITH PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIELD.
Get Styled according to your gut-brain axis (GBA). Dosha Dressing goes beyond simply choosing the right shoes and sweaters. Food and emotions are as critical as color and texture. Dr. Kuver created this neurobiology-based practice as a supplement for your overall wellbeing.
Starting on Saturday September 12th, you can book a one-on-one session with me during New York Fashion Week. A NYFW Edit for each general doshic profile will also be available for viewing and purchase.
In line with The Magazine’s commitment to climate awareness, I chose the sustainable luxury boutique Morphew on the Lower East Side. They house a plethora of gorgeous pieces in a fun environment!
50/50 Cotton/Poly Blend.
Light Gray Print.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Regular Fit. Raglan Sleeve.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
The $cientist™ T-Shirt represents an individual that embodies creativity. A $cientist™ creates in the lab, office, studio, street, or wherever the circumstances might be.
- 100% Combed Cotton.
- Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
- Classic Fit, True To Size.
- Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
100% Combed Cotton.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Regular Fit.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
Hendrix, McQueen and Einstein. The greatest $CIENTISTS in Music, Fashion and Science.
100% Combed Cotton.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand Using Glass Particle Reflective Ink.
Regular Fit. (Shown with yellow jacket in Medium; with brown jacket in Large)
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
$cientist™ Futura Oblique Face T-Shirt
This limited edition t-shirt pays homage to the O$-Original $cientist™, Barbara Kruger.
The American Artist that took the Futura oblique font and made it her own. Barbara creates iconic imagery utilizing bold white text and placing on bright, fire cracker red backgrounds. Today her work provides constant inspiration to so many popular brands around the globe, making her an O$ of the art world.
100% Combed Cotton.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Regular Fit.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
100% Cotton.
Black Silicone Gel Print.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Embossed PU coated Draw Cords.
Regular Fit. Raglan Sleeve.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
Fantabulous Women in STEM started out as little girls with ginormous dreams. These 11 WIS show kids and adults how to inspire and aspire to make the future of the universe better through STEM.
Our 2020 $TEMmers™ Calendar fashionably connects the ordinary to the extraordinary. These immigrants, feminists, orphans, and politicians became $cientists by saying “screw you” to obstacles and haters. They impacted humanity by busting up limitations, failures, and inequality. From computers to neurons, telescopes, and liberation, check out their stories of the past told in social media of today. They entrusted us with their discoveries so that we can continue to better humankind.
Each $TEMmer is hand-illustrated by award-winning fashion designer, Joel Alexander. The concept and text is by PhD molecular neuorpharmacologist, Aarti Kuver.
Limited Edition.
Hand Illustrated.
Dimensions: 8.5” x 7.0”
Cover: Text - 100 LB Lemon Drop with Matte Finish.
Body: Text - 65 LB Solar white textured paper.
Ink: CMYK Digital.
Staple bound.
Clip included for wall mounting.
Designed, Printed & Hand Assembled in New York City.
$cientist™ Futura Oblique T-Shirt
This limited edition t-shirt pays homage to the O$-Original $cientist™, Barbara Kruger.
The American Artist that took the Futura oblique font and made it her own. Barbara creates iconic imagery utilizing bold white text and placing on bright, fire cracker red backgrounds. Today her work provides constant inspiration to so many popular brands around the globe, making her an O$ of the art world.
100% Combed Cotton.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Regular Fit.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
O$™ = ORIGINAL $CIENTIST.™ A creator and innovator, never an imitator. This limited edition T-Shirt was crafted for those that represent this mantra on the daily.
100% Combed Cotton.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Regular Fit.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
O$™ = ORIGINAL $CIENTIST.™ A creator and innovator, never an imitator. This limited edition T-Shirt was crafted for those that represent this mantra on the daily.
100% Combed Cotton.
Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
Regular Fit.
Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
AKJAM Publishing has curated a 12-month calendar with original illustrations as a tribute to 24 women of diverse backgrounds who have significantly influenced the world through STEM. Some of these groundbreakers are famous within STEM circles, but others are hardly known. These doctors, inventors, scientists, mathematicians, and astronauts have passed on, but this is their voice. Their perseverance and brilliance allow us to continue their legacies by making our mark in this world via our discoveries. Let everyday be a reminder that no matter your circumstances or obstacles, you can innovate and create to move humanity forward.
Our 2019 $TEMmers™ Calendar illuminates the connections between the ordinary and the extraordinary. From immigrants to feminists, single parents, and drop-outs. These are the people who overcame obstacles to make remarkable contributions to our macrocosm despite their limitations, failures, and inequality. From computers to neurons, comets, and liberation. These are their stories and a remembrance that they entrusted us with crucial specimens that we continue to magnify for humankind.
Limited Edition.
Hand Illustrated.
Dimensions: 8.5” x 11”
Cover: Text - 120 LB Onyx with Glimmer Finish.
Body: Text - 32 LB Bright white textured paper with printed acetate attachments.
Ink: Black.
Rubber band bound.
Red binder clip included for wall mounting.
Designed, Printed & Hand Assembled in New York City.
AKJAM Publishing commemorates eminent and unsung STEMmers™ of diverse backgrounds who notably influenced the world through STEM. Doctors, Inventors, and Scientists who pioneered in times of difficulty. Each day is a reminder that no matter our obstacles or circumstances, Next-Gen STEMmers™ can shape the future via innovations that move humanity forward.
Cover: Premium Card Stock Weight with Metallic Finish.
Body: Heavy Paper Weight With Gray Ink.
Limited Edition.
Printed & Hand Assembled in New York City.
A heartwarming story that follows the extraordinary life of a sea turtle, reminding us all that resilience can carry us through even the toughest tides.
Perfect for both kids and adults, this beautifully illustrated journey is packed with adventure, perseverance, and the wonders of the ocean.
Dive into the story & discover the strength to keep swimming!
The $cientist™ T-Shirt represents an individual that embodies creativity. A $cientist™ creates in the lab, office, studio, street, or wherever the circumstances might be.
- *WOMENS STYLE ONLY*
- 100% Combed Cotton.
- 3/4" Length Raglan Sleeves.
- Silk Screen Printed By Hand With Silver Reflective Ink.
- Overlock Hem Finish.
- Classic Fit. True To Size.
- Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
The $cientist™ T-Shirt represents an individual that embodies creativity. A $cientist™ creates in the lab, office, studio, street, or wherever the circumstances might be.
- 100% Combed Cotton.
- Silk Screen Printed By Hand.
- Classic Fit, True To Size.
- Made in New York City.
OWN IT WEAR IT BE IT ™
Your personal energy, and style, starts at the gut-brain axis. This New York Fashion Week (NYFW), The Magazine celebrates personal style with sustainable luxury fashion. Creator of the Dosha Dressing method, Aarti Kuver, PhD, curated an edit for Fall NYFW to coincide with her exclusive styling sessions. Like a wellness supplement, this method focuses on balance and prevention.
Where’s the courage to show yourself? Let’s find the audacity to not wear Sambas with Happier in hand. Choosing the right foods to compliment your Dosha Dressing OOTD can reduce specific aversions. Vata can be less fearful, Pitta less angry, and Kapha less lazy. With the right outfit, course.
Each person is made of elements of nature. These manifest in physical and mental traits like athletic build, robust gut microbiota, and anxiety. Ayurveda and TCM use the elements system to diagnose wellness. The Magazine found that shoe choice plays a major role in stepping in the right direction to balance and vitality. The trick? Knowing if you are fine or in need a supplement. A Dosha Dressing style supplement, of course.
Personal style extends to books. Certain books keep us engaged for reasons that we might not recognize. Reading for leisure or pleasure has diminished more than deodorant use. That decreases cognitive, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed for survival. Importantly, problem solving requires these functions. Here are a list of books that match brain personality and Dosha Dressing fashion to match.
As the Met Gala approaches, we are reminded that Katy Perry will dress in a ridiculous costume that makes the event a Halloween spectacle. This year’s Fashion is Art theme may play to that more than previous themes. Of course, Dosha Dressing is the epitome of Fashion is Art.
In this article, The Magazine provides fifteen outfits for transitioning into Spring. These looks serve dosha nuances without sacrificing style.
The arctic air and temperature permeate mood as much as it does bones. The most sensitive in the bunch, Vata, feels that 10 times more than anyone else. This dosha is described as “cold”. But, how does that translate in science? Their hyperactive sympathetic nervous system means insomnia and goose bumps (sympathicotonia).
Never being able to warm up hurts more than the freezing cold hitting your face. Circulation and thermoregulation rule over Vata during the coldest season.
Wear your best self to the whereabouts that fulfill not the perpetual wish list of a better self. These are the places that satiate the deepest insides that Dom can’t do. And the looks.
A week for Kapha looks like doing little things to get out of big routines. She likes the same old, old same. We’re not letting that happen. That’s brain and body rot.
Summer 2026 is the summer of sports. From the Knicks Championship to the World Cup, fans old and new have united in the name of a good time. As it winds down, watch the remaining games according to the science of your brain.