Certain chemical substances cannot be smelled by all humans due to genetic variation
Genetic variations in olfactory receptors and binding proteins account for why certain chemical substances cannot be smelled, or are perceived differently, by all humans.
The retrieved literature includes multiple studies demonstrating that specific anosmia and differences in olfactory thresholds/perception intensity for various chemical compounds (such as androstenone and fatty acids) are associated with genetic polymorphisms in human olfactory receptors and odorant-binding proteins. Therefore, the claim is well supported by the provided evidence.
Gillmeister A, Nagai MH, Margot C, Meesa P, Matsunami H, Hummel T. Olfactory training in specific anosmia to androstenone and its association with genetic variations of OR7D4.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2025.06.017
Paper [3] discusses specific anosmia to androstenone and its relationship with olfactory receptor genetic variations such as OR7D4.
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Diana D, Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Crnjar R, Sollai G. Effect of the <i>rs2590498</i> (A/G) Polymorphism of the <i>OBPIIa</i> Gene on the Olfactory Threshold and Perception Intensity of Fatty Acids.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15112006
Paper [8] links the rs2590498 polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene to differences in the olfactory threshold and perception intensity of fatty acids.
Diana D, Melis M, Solari P, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Crnjar R, Sollai G. Human perception of coffee aroma and its odor-active molecules: role of the olfactory threshold and the OBPIIa gene.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119339
Paper [9] demonstrates that interindividual differences in odor perception and olfactory thresholds are influenced by OBP gene polymorphisms.
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