Food odour perception and affective response in Virtual spacecraft and microgravity body posture (1-G) - Potential ground-based simulations.

Abstract in brief

• This study explores how people perceive food smells and their emotional reactions in a simulated spacecraft environment using both physical and virtual reality setups.
• It found that olfactory intensity was rated higher in virtual reality compared to the physical microgravity simulation for most food odours, with individual sensitivity affecting odour perception.
• Additionally, emotional responses were heightened in VR, although stress levels remained low, indicating that virtual environments can significantly enhance sensory experiences and may inform dietary strategies for confined spaces like spacecraft.