Discovery of how humans sense the smell of death (‘rotting flesh’ odour)

What is it about?

The main chemical compounds responsible for the ‘rotting flesh’ smell are putrescine and cadaverine . Using 3D computer simulations, we have discovered how humans sense the smell of death.

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Why is it important?

Since TAAR6, one of the two genes involved, is associated with depression, bipolar and schizophrenic disorder, a ‘death smell’ test could be designed to support diagnosis of specific mental conditions.