The intricacies of the human body remain a source of wonder and mystery despite numerous advances in technology and medicine. Given the complexity of our bodies, it’s not entirely surprising that some phenomena remain elusive to scientists.
Many individuals often speak of having a “sixth sense” that allows them to anticipate events before they happen. Fascinatingly, recent research indicates that human beings might also have the ability to sense when death is near. Researchers have discovered that as a person nears death, a compound known as putrescine, which is produced during decomposition, is released. This distinct and unpleasant smell is recognized by humans, often on a subconscious level, leading to a swift reaction.
Researchers Arnaud Wisman from the University of Kent’s School of Psychology in Canterbury, UK, and Ilan Shira from the Department of Behavioral Sciences in Arkansas’ Tech University in Russellville, AK, propose that like animals, humans are capable of detecting certain odors and responding appropriately. This capability is essential for survival across all species.
The exposure to putrescine elicits both conscious and subconscious responses in humans. A series of experiments by Wisman and Shira demonstrated that when people detect this odor, they instinctively move away, much like animals that either flee or fight when sensing threat.
Wisman and Shira note, “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.”
Although many may find it difficult to perceive a smell as frightening, scents certainly heighten our awareness of environmental changes.
Take, for instance, sex pheromones — these odors, produced by either males or females, trigger behavioral responses in the opposite sex, essentially drawing them together for mating. This illustrates the profound impact scent can have on human interactions.
The researchers elaborate that while putrescine conveys a much different message than pheromones, the human reactions of avoidance and hostility towards it starkly contrast with the positive responses elicited by many sexual pheromones. It’s important to note that people are generally unaware of this scent, nor do they consciously equate it with death or fear.
