Sticky Proteins. Quentin Cooper meets two scientists from the University of Leeds who have discovered a way of binding scents to a sticky protein. The protein belongs to a family of naturally occurring proteins called lipocalins. Rats secrete lipocalins in their urine and the scientists have been able to make the protein stick to strands of hair - and then persuade scents to stick to the protein. They are optimistic that once the technique has been perfected, they will be able to use it in a variety of ways-they could even attach smells to food.
Producer John Watkins. E-MAIL: material.world@bbc.co.uk