Family members often share stories about loved ones who have passed away, and some of the most interesting tales involve the unusual behavior of those nearing death.
Many people have noticed that these individuals seem to say their goodbyes, resolve old arguments, and even give away their favorite things. It’s like they have a magical sense that tells them their time is running out.
Some people think these actions are just coincidences, while others firmly believe that the dying often know when the end is near.
It’s a thought that can be hard to grasp, but trying to understand these final moments can bring comfort as we think about what happens when someone we love leaves this world. Scientists have discovered that when a person dies, their body starts breaking down immediately.
One of the substances created during this process is called putrescine. This chemical has a terrible smell, and it arises from the decomposition of the body. Interestingly, researchers found that humans can detect this foul odor without even realizing it, and it triggers a strong reaction.
When the smell of putrescine is in the air, we often instinctively want to move away, much like how animals sense danger, whether from a predator or other threats in their environment.
A study conducted by Arnaud Wisman from the University of Kent and Ilan Shira from Arkansas Tech University found that humans and animals share this remarkable ability to detect certain scents, which can be a matter of survival.
The study showed that humans respond to the odor of decay in a similar way to how animals react to danger: they either fight or flee.
In their experiments, Wisman and Shira used putrescine, ammonia, and water to explore how people reacted to different smells. One notable experiment involved exposing a group of volunteers to putrescine.
The results were telling; as soon as people caught a whiff of the odor, they quickly moved away from the area, just like an animal would when it senses a threat.
This instinctual response to danger is fascinating. In nature, when animals face a threat, they have two options: to fight back or to run away.
The study showed that humans exhibit this same type of behavior. While we might think we’re more civilized than animals, our reactions to certain scents reveal that we share deeper instincts with our wild counterparts.
Besides putrescine, there are other smells that trigger our instincts, like sweat. Separate studies indicate that the scent of sweat from someone who is afraid can lead to an immediate startled reaction in others.
As Wisman and Shira explained, “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.”
It’s intriguing to ponder how scents can shape our feelings and our behavior, even without our conscious awareness. One comment from two leading researchers highlights the surprise many feel about these reactions:
“It is hard to think of a scent as frightening.” Yet these odors sharpen our senses and keep us vigilant about what’s happening around us.
Interestingly, humans often choose to avoid confrontation, whether it be physical or verbal. Instead of facing an issue head-on, most people prefer to step back, only engaging in a fight as a last resort. The way we respond to scents like putrescine and sex pheromones showcases this tendency.
While sex pheromones attract potential mates, putrescine sends out a warning signal. “Putrescine signals a different type of message than pheromones,” Wisman and Shira explained. “People’s responses to putrescine—avoidance and hostility—do seem indeed to be the opposite of responses to many sexual pheromones.”
In their research, it was clear that many participants had no idea they were reacting negatively to putrescine. Wisman and Shira acknowledged, “People are not familiar with putrescine and do not consciously associate it with death or fear.”
This lack of awareness about how certain smells affect us highlights the mystery of human instincts.
What do you think about these fascinating discoveries?
Have you noticed how scents can influence your own feelings or reactions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
