Right nostrils provide clues to brain

illnesses. “People’s right nostrils are better at evaluating strange new

smells, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant, say Swedish

scientists.

While familiar smells appear to be sniffed equally by both

nostrils, it is the right that takes the lead when the nose is

challenged by a new odour.

The research has implications for the diagnosis of

neurological disorders because it suggests that only one side

of the brain is involved in processing unfamiliar smells.

By testing patients’ reactions to different scents, doctors might

be able to diagnose which side of the brain has a problem,

the researchers said…” Independent