Rainforests are rich in sensory data, and among the most overlooked are the odours that permeate their humid air. For engineers, these scents are more than poetic—they are functional, chemical, and instructive.
Take geosmin, the compound that gives soil its distinctive post-rain aroma. It’s a microbial byproduct that signals hydration and microbial activity. Or terpenes, released by plants to deter herbivores and attract pollinators—volatile organic compounds with roles in communication and defence.
These molecules travel through air, interact with surfaces, and trigger biological responses. Engineers studying diffusion, environmental sensing, or even sustainable product design can find inspiration in how nature packages and delivers these compounds.
Rainforest odours are not just smells—they are natural data streams, waiting to be decoded and applied.
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