My research on the politics of smell divided the internet – here’s what it’s actually about

By Amelia Louks, Research Supervisor in English Literature, University of Cambridge

In November, I celebrated finishing my PhD. After three and a half years of writing and research, it was an occasion I wanted to share with my academic network, so I posted a photo of myself holding a physical copy of my PhD thesis on X. The post amassed 120 million views and sparked a lot of anger in response to its title: Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose.

The title received criticism from those who were wilfully misrepresenting the nature of the research. “Smells…

Read complete article

~	Chrystia Freeland’s resignation seems carefully aimed at removing a sitting prime minister

~	There’s a link between walking speed and ageing well. Here’s how you can improve it

~	Why Romania’s election was annulled – and what happens next?

~	‘Mirror life forms’ may sound like science fiction, but scientists warn they could be deadly to humans and destroy the environment

~	The Conservatives have had a terrible few years – these are the three first steps to recovery in 2025

~	Why you should avoid doing the exact same workout everyday if you want to get fit

~	Early pregnancy endings are an overlooked workplace issue – here’s how that could change

~	Will AI save the planet? Why the evidence is flawed

~	Consider The Turkey: philosopher’s new book might put you off your festive bird – and that’s exactly what he would want

~	Gladiator II: a historian on the real north African kingdom of Numidia – and the men who ruled it