And although many more scientists are taking the vibrational theory seriously than back in 1996, it remains an extraordinarily polarised debate.

BBC: 'Quantum smell' idea gains ground

When the sensor's cap had ridges, like a fingerprint, it was able to amplify and filter certain vibrational frequencies, the authors said.

CNN: Fingerprint study offers inspiration for robotics research

The most appealing thing about Turin's hypothesis was that he was now able to develop an algorithm that could predict smell from vibrational data.

FORBES: The scent of money

The idea is that an electron on one part of a protein may move, and arrive at another part lacking a quantum of vibrational energy.

BBC: Quantum physics explanation for smell gains traction

The fact that it's here means that somewhere between where it started and where it is now there's a molecule with the right vibrational frequency'.

BBC: Quantum physics explanation for smell gains traction

It was this vibrational frequency that the team measured.

ECONOMIST: Small-scale physics

But it's tougher to prove a positive--to predict from a molecule's vibrational structure exactly how it will smell--and he struggled to concoct an experiment that would satisfy his scientific and industrial peers.

FORBES: Magazine Article

But it's tougher to prove a positive--to predict from a molecule's vibrational structure exactly how it will smell--and Turin struggled to concoct an experiment that would satisfy his scientific and industrial colleagues.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Magnets work to either increase of decrease the string's motion, bringing out vibrational modes that have always been in-play on acoustic instruments, but have never been offered the power needed to make 'em sing.

ENGADGET: Moog's LEV-96 sensoriactuator prototype wields touch control of 96 simultaneous harmonics, we go eyes-on (video)