Losing someone we love can be an overwhelming and devastating experience. It shakes us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, making it one of the most challenging things to navigate. It is important to remember that healing takes time and cannot be rushed. Recovering from the mental trauma of losing a loved one can take years, and that is perfectly normal.
Some may dismiss it as mere coincidence, but many believe that humans have an innate sense when their time is near. It is natural to wonder about the final moments of someone we care deeply about. Scientists have discovered that when a person passes away, their body begins to deteriorate, emitting a foul smell called putrescine, which is a byproduct of decomposition. Interestingly, both humans and animals can unconsciously detect this smell and have an immediate reaction to it. Just like animals detect danger, we too have a primal instinct to respond to such signals. 
In a remarkable study conducted by researchers at the University of Kent’s School of Psychology and the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Arkansas Tech University, it was found that survival instincts across different species rely on the ability to recognize chemical odors. Humans, too, have developed this capacity and receive a warning through smell.
Putrescine, a pungent compound similar to cadaverine, is released during the process of decomposition when amino acids in living and dead organisms break down. It serves as an unmistakable signal of decay. Exposure to this smell triggers both conscious and unconscious reactions in people.
In multiple studies, researchers used putrescine, ammonia, and water to explore people’s responses. Astonishingly, in one of the studies, when putrescine was introduced, participants immediately moved away from the area. This fight-or-flight response is a natural reaction to danger and is witnessed across species. Humans, like animals, exhibit similar behavior in the face of perceived threats.
However, humans are also sensitive to other odors, such as sweat. Separate studies have shown that when individuals were exposed to the scent of others’ sweat, they displayed automatic and startled behaviors. Scent plays a significant role in our emotions, preferences, and attitudes, often without us even being aware of it. It heightens our awareness and vigilance of our surroundings.
While most people tend to avoid conflict and prefer to keep their distance from danger, the human response is not always one of aggression. In situations where danger looms, we opt for flight rather than fight. Putrescine, which acts as a warning signal, differs from sex pheromones, which are chemicals that attract potential mates. The responses to these scents are indeed opposite to each other. Putrescine triggers avoidance and hostility, whereas sexual pheromones elicit attraction.
Interestingly, during the study, participants were not consciously aware of their negative reaction to the scent of putrescine. “People are not familiar with putrescine and do not consciously associate it with death or fear,” admit the researchers.
In conclusion, our ability to instinctively detect and react to certain smells, such as putrescine, is a testament to our primal survival mechanisms. The process of healing and recovering from the loss of a loved one takes time, and it is essential to be patient with ourselves as we go through this journey.
