離開
進入《中英對照讀新聞 》Smell Delight or Disgust Lies in Genes味道好聞或難聞取決於基因
◎李信漢
A floral odor was described by people with one version of a gene as aromatic, but by those with a different variation as sour.
一種花的味道被擁有一類基因的人形容為芳香，卻被其他擁有不同變種基因的人形容為是酸臭的。
There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who can smell the roses and those who can’t. Our ability to smell certain odors appears to be hardwired genetically.
世界上有兩種人。一種可以聞到玫瑰花，一種沒辦法。我們嗅覺的能力，去聞出某些味道，似乎是由基因決定的。
Researchers conducted blind smell tests. They then compared the results with participants’ DNA. Detection of four odors—emanating from apples, blue cheese, malt and flowers—could be linked to DNA variations.
研究者們進行一個遮眼的嗅覺試驗。他們然後把結果與參與者們的DNA（脫氧核糖核酸）作比較。發現4種味道─從蘋果、藍乳酪、麥芽和花朵發出─可能與DNA的變種相連結。
A rose-related odor, due to the compound beta-ionone, was described by people with one version of a specific gene as “floral” and “aromatic”. But those with a different variation of the gene said things like “vinegar” and “sour.”
一種與玫瑰相近的氣味，是因為紫羅蘭酮的混合物，被擁有一種特殊基因的人，形容為「花的」和「芳香的」。但是那些擁有其他變種基因的人說，那聞起來像「醋」和「酸味」。
It seems our genes change how we experience the world. That’s important to know if you’re designing soap and want to add a dash of beta-ionone for a fresh floral scent─some consumers may find it disgusting.
這似乎是我們的基因改變我們如何體驗這個世界。知道那件事非常重要，如果你正在設計一款香皂，並為了清新的花香而想摻和些紫羅蘭酮─一些消費者可能認為噁心。
Remember that the next time someone finds your homemade apple pie revolting. The fault may lie not in your cooking but in their nose.
記得，下回某人認為你自製的蘋果派令人噁心。錯可能不在你的烹飪，而在他們的鼻子。
新聞辭典
aromatic：形容詞，芳香的。例句：Aromatic herbs are often used in cooking.（芳草常用於烹調。）
detection：名詞，發現。例句：My detection of the scent of baked apple pie led me to the kitchen.（我對烤蘋果派味道的察覺，引領我走到廚房。）
emanate：動詞，（氣體等）發出，散發出。例句：Happiness seems to emanate from her.（幸福的味道似乎從她身上散發出來。）
