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

A study of 2,000 British adults found that the smells of suntan lotion, chewing gum, fish and chips were among a list of 40 scents that evoked 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 participants of their grandmothers, while the scents 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.

The study 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 the study of the senses, said: "The sense of smell can awaken powerful and emotional memories. Memories of people, places and things can be brought back to life with just one unforgettable scent. A friend's house, a boat trip, a voice... all can come to mind with the help of scent."

"The 40 scents 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 people aged 18-24. They are also more likely to associate the scent of a lollipop with a happy childhood than younger people.

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

According to VNA