Scientists Develop a Flexible Electronic Smell Detector Linking to Brain for Intelligent Olfactory Substitution
July 25, 2019 | CASEstimated reading time: Less than a minute

Working with colleagues at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Prof. ZHAN Yang’s group at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has constructed an artificial olfactory system based on self-powered nano-generator.
This device can sense different odor molecules and recognize different odors. The device has been demonstrated in vivo in animal models. The study titled “An artificial triboelectricity-brain-behavior closed loop for intelligent olfactory substitution” was published on Nano Energy.
Odor processing is important to many species. Specific olfactory receptors located on the neurons are involved in odor recognition. These different olfactory receptors form patterned distribution.
Inspired by the biological receptors, the teams collaborated on formulating an artificial olfactory system. Through nano-fabrication on the soft materials and special alignment of material structures, the teams built a self-power device that can code and differentiate different odorant molecules.
This device has been connected to the mouse brain to demonstrate that the olfactory signals can produce appropriate neural stimulation. When the self-powered device generated the electric currents, the mouse displayed behavioral motion changes.
This study, inspired by the biological olfactory system, provides insights on novel design of neural stimulation and brain-machine interface.
Suggested Items
Legislative Update – The SEMI Investment Act: Inclusive of PCB and Substrates?
05/13/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn response to yesterday’s news around new U.S. legislation being put forth by SEMI to support our domestic electronics supply chain–The SEMI Investment Act, or the Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial Act– I reached out to IPC’s Richard Capetto, chief lobbyist and a principal member of IPCs Global Relations and Advocacy team.
Breaking Down Barriers: The Connectivity of Machines in SMT Production Lines
05/14/2025 | Bill Cardoso, Creative ElectronAs the world increasingly moves toward erecting trade barriers, we find ourselves in a paradox. Across the globe, the rise in tariffs and protectionist policies is creating a more fragmented global economy, with nations seeking to insulate themselves from external economic pressures. However, within the confines of the SMT production line, the trend is moving in precisely the opposite direction—toward greater connectivity, integration, and collaboration. Rather than isolating one machine from another, SMT production lines are increasingly interconnected, with data being shared across various stages of the process to improve quality, efficiency, and defect detection.
CACI’s Mission-Critical Technology will Accelerate the Delivery of Electronic Warfighting Capabilities to the U.S. Navy’s Existing Fleet
05/13/2025 | CACI International Inc.CACI International Inc announced today that it has been awarded additional work by the U.S. Navy to procure enhancements to the current fielded Shipboard Information Warfare Exploit system under its existing contract for Spectral, a next-generation shipboard signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), and information operations (IO) weapon system.
OSI Systems Receives $7 Million Order for Medical Technology Components
05/13/2025 | BUSINESS WIREOSI Systems, Inc. announced that its Optoelectronics and Manufacturing division has been awarded an order for approximately $7 million to supply essential components for a leading healthcare innovator specializing in patient diagnostic and care applications.
Vertical Aerospace, Honeywell Expand Partnership to Bring VX4 eVTOL to Market
05/13/2025 | HoneywellVertical Aerospace and Honeywell announced the signing of a new long-term agreement that expands their existing partnership and reinforces Honeywell’s commitment to the certification and production of Vertical’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the VX4.