People with working sense of smell sniff more than those with anosmia, with possible implications for health

People born without a sense of smell breathe differently to those with one, researchers have found, which could help explain why problems with odour perception are associated with a host of health issues.

While some have dismissed the sense of smell as unimportant – Charles Darwin said it was “of extremely slight service” to humans – studies have associated its loss with depression, feelings of personal isolation and even an increased risk of early death.