Sensation and Perception

Why people recommend it

Sensation and Perception is a multi-authored academic textbook edited by Jeremy M. Wolfe, Keith Kluender, Dennis Levi, Rachel Herz, Linda Bartoshuk, Roberta Klatzky, and Daniel Merfeld, designed to explore how humans process sensory information. On an episode of Stuff You Should Know in January 2023, the hosts explored the intricate science and history behind how perfume works. During the discussion, the host paused to give a specific shout-out to contributor Rachel Herz, mentioning that she had written a dedicated chapter on the subject of perfume for a broader academic publication. The host identified the volume as the neurobiology of sensation and reward, describing the publication as a gas in general for curious readers interested in the neurological underpinnings of sensory experiences. This shout-out directed the audience's attention toward specialized academic literature that bridges the gap between everyday sensory phenomena, such as olfaction, and advanced neurobiological research. By highlighting Herz's contribution, the podcast underscored the fascinating ways in which our brains process scent and emotional responses, offering listeners a compelling literary resource to further investigate the scientific marvels of human sensory perception, olfactory processing, and the profound neurological connections linking our sense of smell to memory, emotion, and reward pathways in the human brain.