Smell is arguably the least understood sense, yet it has always been a vital component of the human experience, and that of all living creatures.

It has been used by plants and animals for millions of years to warn, to attract, to identify, to navigate and even to mislead. "Smelling to Survive" explains some of these fascinating processes, and explores how the past would have smelt quite different to our ancestors, and how future technologies will further change the world of scents.

Along the way, leading scientist Bill S. Hansson recounts amazing...