Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Letter: Experiencing the senses in your mind

Published 6 May 2026

From Rosemary Cook, York, UK

Your correspondent Erik Foxcroft would be interested to find out if other people can imagine smells or tastes. I can do so vividly: if I can’t get to sleep, I do a mental walk through my old school, where each room (classroom, lab, gym, storeroom) has a different smell. Or I imagine an all-you-can-eat buffet where I taste all my favourite foods in turn. The sensations feel absolutely real (Letters, 25 April).

Issue no. 3594 published 9 May 2026

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop