The Amazing Human Sense of Smell

Sharks are famous for their sharp sense of smell, detecting blood from far distances.

But did you know that humans have an even greater ability? When rain is on its way, we can smell it in the air, thanks to a unique scent released by the soil.

Despite its tiny amount—just 0.4 parts per billion—we can sense it as if it were much stronger, up to 200,000 times more concentrated.


Predicting Rain Before It Falls


But there’s more to our nose’s talents. Before rain arrives, lightning in the clouds creates ozone, a distinctive smell we can detect. Even though ozone is only present in small amounts—0.5 parts per million—we can still recognize it. This means we can anticipate rain without ever leaving our homes, showcasing the remarkable power of our sense of smell.