📖 Overview
Rachel Herz is a neuroscientist and psychologist specializing in the psychology of smell and emotion, as well as the intersections of perception, emotion, and behavior. She holds a faculty position at Brown University and Boston College, conducting research on cognitive neuroscience and teaching courses on sensation, perception, and emotion.
Her research has focused extensively on how smell and taste influence human behavior, memory, and emotional experiences. Herz's work has significantly contributed to the understanding of how odors can trigger powerful emotional memories and influence everything from attraction to food choices.
She has authored several books including "The Scent of Desire," "That's Disgusting," and "Why You Eat What You Eat," which explore the psychological and neurological aspects of smell, disgust, and eating behavior. Her publications have been widely cited in academic literature and featured in major media outlets.
Herz continues to conduct research and serves as a consultant to various industries, including food, fragrance, and consumer products companies. She regularly presents her findings at scientific conferences and has contributed to the broader public understanding of sensory psychology through her writing and media appearances.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Herz's ability to translate complex neuroscience concepts into clear, engaging explanations. Many note her books blend scientific research with real-world examples and personal anecdotes.
Readers highlight:
- Clear explanations of smell-emotion connections
- Research-backed insights about food psychology
- Practical applications to daily life decisions
- Engaging writing style that maintains scientific accuracy
Common criticisms:
- Some sections become repetitive
- Technical terminology can be dense in places
- More practical tips/solutions wanted
- Some readers find personal anecdotes distracting
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
"Why You Eat What You Eat" - 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings)
"That's Disgusting" - 3.7/5 (900+ ratings)
"The Scent of Desire" - 3.8/5 (700+ ratings)
Amazon averages 4.3/5 across all books
Representative review: "Herz strikes an ideal balance between academic rigor and accessibility. The research is fascinating, though occasional technical passages require careful reading." - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Rachel Herz
Why You Eat What You Eat: The Science Behind Our Relationship with Food (2018)
An exploration of how psychology, neurology and physiology shape our relationship with food and the sensory experiences of eating.
That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion (2012) An examination of the emotion of disgust from evolutionary, psychological, and cultural perspectives.
The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Enigmatic Sense of Smell (2007) A scientific investigation into how smell influences behavior, memories, emotions, mate choice, and overall quality of life.
What's Age Got to Do with It? Living Your Healthiest and Happiest Life (2023) An analysis of aging through scientific research, exploring how attitudes and behaviors affect the aging process.
That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion (2012) An examination of the emotion of disgust from evolutionary, psychological, and cultural perspectives.
The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Enigmatic Sense of Smell (2007) A scientific investigation into how smell influences behavior, memories, emotions, mate choice, and overall quality of life.
What's Age Got to Do with It? Living Your Healthiest and Happiest Life (2023) An analysis of aging through scientific research, exploring how attitudes and behaviors affect the aging process.
👥 Similar authors
Dan Ariely explores human behavior, decision-making, and cognitive biases through scientific research and real-world examples. His work examines irrational choices and psychological influences on daily life, similar to Herz's analysis of sensory perceptions.
Alexandra Horowitz studies animal cognition and human-animal relationships, with a focus on how dogs perceive the world. Her research combines scientific analysis with accessible narratives about sensory experiences and consciousness.
Charles Spence investigates the connections between our senses and how they influence perception and behavior. His research on multisensory experiences and their impact on taste and smell aligns with Herz's work on sensory psychology.
Mary Roach examines scientific topics through detailed research and investigation of human bodies and behaviors. She combines science writing with historical context while exploring unusual aspects of human physiology and psychology.
Robert Sapolsky writes about behavioral biology and the intersection of human and animal behavior through a neuroscientific lens. His work connects biological mechanisms with human behavior and emotional responses, similar to Herz's exploration of sensory reactions.
Alexandra Horowitz studies animal cognition and human-animal relationships, with a focus on how dogs perceive the world. Her research combines scientific analysis with accessible narratives about sensory experiences and consciousness.
Charles Spence investigates the connections between our senses and how they influence perception and behavior. His research on multisensory experiences and their impact on taste and smell aligns with Herz's work on sensory psychology.
Mary Roach examines scientific topics through detailed research and investigation of human bodies and behaviors. She combines science writing with historical context while exploring unusual aspects of human physiology and psychology.
Robert Sapolsky writes about behavioral biology and the intersection of human and animal behavior through a neuroscientific lens. His work connects biological mechanisms with human behavior and emotional responses, similar to Herz's exploration of sensory reactions.