Advertisement

3lor

Your Nose Knows When Dᴇαth Is Near: How Scents Signal the End

It is not uncommon to hear family members reminisce about a loved one who has passed away. One particularly intriguing and surprising anecdote often shared is the person’s behavior before dying, such as saying goodbye, resolving troubled relationships, and even giving away cherished possessions. It seems they might sense something before anyone else does.

Advertisement

While some may dismiss this as coincidence, others firmly believe that people can sense when dᴇαth is near.

It is natural to try to understand the dᴇαth of someone we love or to imagine what happens in those final moments. Scientists know that when someone di+es, the body immediately begins to decompose.

Advertisement

Putrescine, for example, is a foul and toxic scent resulting from decomposition. Researchers have found that humans subconsciously recognize this decaying odor, which triggers an immediate response.

Animals can also detect this scent in others, prompting them to react accordingly.

This is akin to sensing danger, whether from a predator or a stronger animal in their group.

Advertisement

A study by Arnaud Wisman from the University of Kent’s School of Psychology in Canterbury, UK, and Ilan Shira from the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AK, discovered that animals and humans might not be so different after all.

The ability to detect chemical scents is crucial for survival across species. The threat of dᴇαth is signaled through smell to humans.

Putrescine, a chemical compound released during body decay, also functions as a warning signal. People have both conscious and subconscious reactions when exposed to this scent.

Four different experiments using putrescine, ammonia, and water were conducted to study people’s reactions.

In one experiment, when putrescine was present at a site, people’s immediate response was to move away from the area.

This is similar to the fight-or-flight reaction.

When animals sense real danger, they have two responses: fight the threat or flee. The study revealed that people react similarly.

There are other scents to which humans respond, like sweat.

Separate studies have shown that sweat collected from people in fearful situations, when smelled by others, triggered an automatic, startled reflex.

“We do not know why we like (or dislike) someone’s smell, and we’re usually not aware of how scent influences our emotions, preferences, and attitudes,” Wisman and Shira explain.

“It is hard to think of a scent as frightening,” say the two leading researchers. These scents make people more aware and vigilant of their surroundings.

Humans’ natural reaction to danger is not to confront it directly.

People tend to avoid confrontation, whether verbal or physical, preferring to distance themselves until fighting is the only remaining option.

Although different in their effects, putrescine and se+x pheromones both influence behavior through scent.

Advertisement

Se+x pheromones are chemicals released to attract a mate, while putrescine serves as a warning signal. “Putrescine signals a different type of message than pheromones, but people’s responses to putrescine (avoidance and hostility) do seem indeed to be the opposite of responses to many se+xual pheromones,” the researchers explain.

During the study, people were unaware of their negative reaction to the scent.

“People are not familiar with putrescine and do not consciously associate it with dᴇαth or fear,” Wisman and Shira admit.

Related Posts:

Sometimes Dealbreakers Aren’t What They Seem

I connected with a man through a dating app, and to my delight, our online exchanges flowed effortlessly. Our senses of humor aligned, our discussions were engaging, and his sincerity shone through. After weeks of messaging, we agreed to meet face-to-face. Advertisement When the day arrived, excitement bubbled within me, tempered by a flutter of ... Read more

The Legacy of Grandma’s Cast Iron Pans

My grandmother has always cherished her cast iron pans as if they were precious heirlooms. To her, these pans were far more than mere kitchen utensils—they were cherished members of the family, imbued with the essence of countless meals, shared laughter, and heartfelt stories passed down through generations. One sunny afternoon, eager to prepare dinner, ... Read more

When Heartbreak Broke My World, Strength Emerged from an Unlikely Source

My husband of a decade betrayed me with my closest friend. The sting of that betrayal was so profound that I struggled to carry on. For weeks, I could scarcely eat, seldom ventured outside, and sensed the world shrinking around me. One afternoon, the sound of the doorbell broke the silence. When I answered, I ... Read more

Melania Trump’s Letter to Putin Sparks Debate Over Signature

A recent statement suggested that Vladimir Putin holds the potential to advance global well-being by resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This notion has fueled discussions, particularly after observers noticed Melania Trump’s distinctive signature on a letter she addressed to the Russian president, urging him to bring an end to the war. Advertisement Earlier this month, ... Read more

A Truth Uncovered

As I settled into my seat on the flight home, a conversation drifted from the row behind me. A woman’s voice, clear and casual, said, “I traveled to Europe with Phil last weekend.” My breath caught. Phil was my husband’s name, and he had been in Europe only days ago. Advertisement Her words continued, slicing ... Read more

The Ring’s Promise

For many years, Maria would gaze at her husband’s bare hand, a subtle pang stirring within her chest. Her love for him was profound, yet she often pondered why his wedding ring was absent from his finger. Each time she inquired, he would offer a tender smile and reply, “I misplaced it long ago. The ... Read more