Memory April 2018 PMID 28969504

Olfactory cues are more effective than visual cues in experimentally triggering autobiographical memories.

Maaike J de Bruijn, Michael Bender

Mentions

7
Peak: 2 in Jul 2021
across 3 sources since Jul 2021

Extended reach

122,391
potential audience

Total likes

33

Video views

816

Mentions per month

Jul 2021 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter4 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussion reflects a keen interest in the evidence supporting olfactory cues as powerful triggers of autobiographical memory, exemplified by references to additional studies and the importance of sensory cues, with tone highlighting curiosity and respect for the research methods.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts acknowledge the validity of the research, with some sharing additional studies that support the findings.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show a high level of interest, especially by referencing related effects like the Proust phenomenon and discussing the implications of olfactory cues.

EngagementModerate engagement

There is some direct engagement with the topic, such as mentioning replication studies and emphasizing the significance of smell-based memory triggers.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest that this research could influence further studies or applications, indicating moderate impact.

Abstract in brief

  • Olfactory cues, especially childhood odors, are more effective than visual cues in triggering detailed and vivid autobiographical memories.
  • The study found that participants recalled richer memories when presented with childhood-related smells compared to images or non-childhood odors.
  • Although odors elicit stronger memories, there was no significant difference in the emotional content of these memories; the research suggests that smells are powerful cues for memory retrieval and deserve further investigation.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Michael Bender
@_m_bender · X

@alma_jeftic @hansijzerman @LiraLab_Bgd We (@maaikeJDeBruijn and I) recently did a well-powered lab replication, as most studies had low sample sizes. We found the effect, incl. that olfactorily cued memories were more vivid/emotional. https://t.co/uJ9wFit2Vs

Mar 3, 2022 · 2 likes · 501 followers View post →
Adam Boxer
@adamboxer1 · X

@TabitaSurge @Mathew_Lynch44 @LeeDonaghy @JamesTheo @effortfuleduktr hey don't diss the olfactory teachers out there https://t.co/ISI8imcMyl

Jul 1, 2021 · 1 like · 60,464 followers View post →
Jon Ryan Kary
@fruitofgrace · X

@notphilothea You could also research the Proust effect. Found these two studies that also have a list of potentially valuable references: https://t.co/8omU2pw8Mh https://t.co/lODKn9wABF

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 like · 136 followers View post →
Adam Boxer
@adamboxer1 · X

@BeaulieuBio https://t.co/ISI8imcMyl

Jul 1, 2021 · 60,464 followers View post →

All mentions

Jon Ryan Kary
@fruitofgrace · X

@notphilothea You could also research the Proust effect. Found these two studies that also have a list of potentially valuable references: https://t.co/8omU2pw8Mh https://t.co/lODKn9wABF

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 like · 136 followers View post →
Michael Bender
@_m_bender · X

@alma_jeftic @hansijzerman @LiraLab_Bgd We (@maaikeJDeBruijn and I) recently did a well-powered lab replication, as most studies had low sample sizes. We found the effect, incl. that olfactorily cued memories were more vivid/emotional. https://t.co/uJ9wFit2Vs

Mar 3, 2022 · 2 likes · 501 followers View post →
Adam Boxer
@adamboxer1 · X

@BeaulieuBio https://t.co/ISI8imcMyl

Jul 1, 2021 · 60,464 followers View post →
Adam Boxer
@adamboxer1 · X

@TabitaSurge @Mathew_Lynch44 @LeeDonaghy @JamesTheo @effortfuleduktr hey don't diss the olfactory teachers out there https://t.co/ISI8imcMyl

Jul 1, 2021 · 1 like · 60,464 followers View post →
Fpsyg 15 1235098 | PDF | Recall (Memory) | Memory
News

10.1080/09658211.2017.1381744. Barzykowski, K., and Moulin, C. (2022). Are involuntary autobiographical memory Dyer, N. M. (2013). Le lancement de" Du côté ...

Jan 1, 2026 View →