How Sniffing Priceless Art and Artifacts Could Save Them — Speaking of Chemistry

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Art and cultural heritage conservators are getting an assist from some smelly chemistry. Come closer, lean in, and… inhale deeply. Some of our most valuable heritage objects—think old books, early film, and vintage plastic jewelry—have their own personal pong. But there’s more to their musk than nostalgia alone. Sarah Everts explains why conservators are starting to sniff out the compounds emitted by museum art and artifacts.


If this episode leaves you wishing for a stronger whiff of smelly museum masterpieces, check out these great resources.


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