Prompt Cast
The Science of Taste and Flavor: From Carbon Dioxide to Supertasters
TLDR Scientists have discovered that taste receptors for carbon dioxide are the same as sour receptors, and taste cells are not only found on the tongue but also in the gut and other areas of the body. This podcast episode explores the fascinating world of taste and flavor, from the difference between taste and smell to the genetic trait of supertasters.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Smell and taste are closely related senses because they both react to chemicals, and you can't have one without the other.
03:56
Worms and other invertebrates don't distinguish between taste and smell, but rather between volatile and non-volatile organic compounds, and taste buds are the little bumps on your tongue that contain specialized taste receptors and gustatory hair where flavor and taste are created.
07:45
Taste is the transmission of tasteant molecules to the brain, while flavor is the combination of taste, texture, and other sensations that create the overall experience of eating.
11:58
MSG is a distinct savory flavor that cannot be replicated by any combination of the primary tastes, and it is known to cause discomfort and allergic reactions in some people.
15:42
Scientists have discovered specialized receptor cells that detect carbon dioxide, challenging the belief that the sensation of carbonation in drinks is caused by the popping of bubbles on the tongue.
19:30
Scientists have discovered that taste receptors for carbon dioxide are the same as sour receptors, and taste cells are not only found on the tongue but also in the gut and other areas of the body.
23:32
Supertasters have a genetic trait that causes them to have heightened taste sensations, and this trait can be a curse as well as a blessing.
27:32
Supertasters have aversions to certain foods and tend to eat less sweets, but they also avoid leafy greens, and there are only a thousand chemical concentrations that the human tongue can taste.
31:12
A listener named Julie requests a birthday shoutout for her husband DJ Vile, who is a fan of the podcast and ran a 10K as a green man, and will be presenting his research at a medical conference in Philly.
35:03
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Categories:
Society & Culture
