Not only the nose

Smell that? Even during flu season, when your nose is plugged and your eyes are running, pleasant smells from the kitchen can still provide the tingle of gastronomic anticipation. Turns out the nose isn't the only thing that knows a good meal is coming.

A new study finds that our olfactory processes are far more complicated than previously thought. Organs such as the heart and the lungs can also "smell" food and drink. The research, presented this week at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans, discovered that olfactory receptors are spread throughout our bodies, and not simply in our noses.

During their experiment, the researchers noticed that blood cells moved towards "attractant" smelly compounds that are present in comfort foods - like chocolate - in abundance. The discovery answers, at least in part, why many foods and drinks emit complex odours that the human nose can not detect.

It may also explain why certain foods, like durian or kimchi, have caught on even though they stink. Plug your nose: your organs know best.

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Scientists say humans can also "smell" through their heart and lungs, meaning it's not just your nose that knows.

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion