Innovative Use of Radio Waves Enhances Sense of Smell Without Invasive Procedures

Our ability to perceive smell plays a vital role in daily life, influencing our enjoyment of food, detection of hazards like smoke or gas leaks, and even affecting our memories and emotions. Unfortunately, many individuals, especially after illnesses like COVID-19, aging, or brain injuries, experience a diminished or lost sense of smell. Treatment options are limited and often involve uncomfortable methods such as strong-smelling chemicals or medications.

Recent research from South Korea has introduced a groundbreaking, noninvasive approach to improving olfactory function through the application of radio frequency (RF) stimulation. Published in APL Bioengineering, the study by scientists from Hanyang University and Kwangwoon University demonstrates that radio waves can directly stimulate the nerves responsible for the sense of smell, bypassing traditional methods.

The procedure involves placing a small radio antenna near the forehead—without making contact—and delivering gentle radio waves for five minutes. Unlike surgical or chemical treatments, this technique does not cause discomfort or skin overheating. Volunteers with normal olfactory function underwent the procedure, which was followed by testing their ability to detect faint odors such as diluted alcohol and fruit scents, using specialized odor dispensers called Sniffin' Sticks. The researchers also measured neural activity related to smell.

Results indicated that a single session of RF stimulation enhanced participants’ sense of smell for over a week. This pioneering method marks the first time that smell improvement has been achieved using radio waves without physical contact or chemicals, opening new avenues for treating neurological and sensory conditions.

While initial studies focused on healthy individuals, the researchers aim to explore the technique’s effectiveness in patients with olfactory impairments, such as anosmia or hyposmia. The potential applications extend beyond medical treatment to industries requiring acute olfactory sensitivity, such as perfume creation, culinary arts, and coffee tasting. Overall, this innovative approach offers a safe, painless, and effective way to restore or even enhance the sense of smell.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-radio-amp-surgery-chemicals.html