Scents have the ability to awaken the senses and evoke memories.

A study of 2,000 British adults found that the smells of sun cream, chewing gum, fish and chips were among the 40 scents most likely to evoke childhood memories.

The smell of chewing gum reminds me of my childhood. (Source: Daily Mail)

The study also found that in addition to the above scents, the smell of freshly cut grass, oak wood and rainwater on asphalt also awaken the senses and evoke memories of the past.

The experts found that the faint scents of lavender and peppermint reminded study participants of their grandmothers, while the smells of gasoline and mud reminded them more of their grandfathers. In addition, more than half of the study participants said the scents in amusement parks also brought back fond memories.

Research also shows that the smell of chalk, freshly sharpened pencils and markers instantly reminds us of our school days, while the smell of new leather reminds us of the first time we put on a new pair of shoes.

Research also found that 8 out of 10 people will immediately think of a specific memory after smelling a certain scent, and 70% of those memories are good memories.

Professor Barry Smith, an expert in sensory research, said: "The sense of smell can evoke powerful and emotional memories. Memories of people, places and things can be brought back to life with just a single scent. A friend's home, a boat trip, a voice... all can be brought to mind with the help of scent."

"The 40 scents that emerged from this study are typical scents that awaken our senses and make us remember them for life. Happy memories from childhood are all associated with scents, and our sense of smell helps us maintain connections to memories."

Olfactory sensitivity is not age-related. People over 55 are just as likely to recall memories through scent as 18-24 year olds. They are also more likely to associate the scent of a lollipop with a happy childhood than younger people.

This research was conducted by Disneyland Paris to mark the opening of a new attraction called Ratatouille - An Adventure this coming July./.

According to VNA