The ability to sense odors plays a critical role in the survival of most animals, as it is vital for tasks like navigation, locating food sources, and avoiding predators. For most living organisms, including humans, the sense of smell stands out as a primary means of engaging with their surroundings. Consequently, comprehending how the olfactory system detects and discriminates between different odor molecules and complex odor mixtures represents an essential initial step in unraveling the neural circuits responsible for odor perception. 

A range of innovative techniques and behavioral approaches have been developed to assess a subject's ability to process olfactory information. This JoVE Methods Collection aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible resource for scientists and researchers to advance their understanding of the olfactory system and related research techniques. It also aims to empower the scientific community with the knowledge and tools necessary to deepen our understanding of the sense of smell and its multifaceted applications in various fields.