How Our Body Senses Death: What Science Reveals


Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences in life. It leaves emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds that can take years to heal. Many wonder if we can somehow sense when death is near — and science suggests we might.

Researchers have found that the body releases a chemical called putrescine during decomposition. It has a foul odor, and although people aren’t consciously aware of it, they tend to react with avoidance — a natural survival response, similar to the “fight-or-flight” instinct.

A study by Arnaud Wisman (University of Kent) and Ilan Shira (Arkansas Tech University) showed that humans, like animals, can subconsciously detect this scent and instinctively move away from it. In experiments, people exposed to putrescine immediately distanced themselves, even though they didn’t know why.

Other studies have shown that fear-based sweat can also trigger automatic, startled reactions in others. Scent affects emotions and behavior in subtle but powerful ways — from fear to attraction.

While sex pheromones attract, putrescine signals danger. Most people aren’t aware of these reactions, but our brains respond regardless, showing how deeply scent influences human behavior — especially around life and death.