Article Summary 3: ‘Death Stench’ is a Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover

‘Death Stench’ Is A Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 13 [cited 2009 Sept 15]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911133656.htm

The article, “‘Death stench’ Is A Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover,” discusses research findings that could be used to produce non-toxic products to protect against household pests.

When insects find food or shelter, they mark their find with a smell called a pheromone that attracts others. Similarly, when they suffer injury or death they also release a smell – although this one sends a signal for others to stay away. This “death stench” is an adaptation that helps protect against disease or other predators.

Recently, a team of scientists led by David Rollo, biology professor at McMaster University, have discovered that the scent released at the time of death does not just apply to insects. On the contrary, the corpses of all insects and crustaceans tested emitted the same smell. One type of insect could also recognize the stench of another type of insect. In one experiment, the scientists released ants into an environment that contained areas of body juices from deceased cockroaches. Not one of the ants ventured into these areas.

Professor Rollo and his team were also able to identify the composition of the smell. In all cases, the stench was produced by a blend of fatty acids that are released from a body following cell death. Because insects and crustaceans evolved over 400 million years ago, it is possible that species that subsequently evolved from them will also recognize their injured or dead in a similar way.

This research holds promise for the creation of products to ward off household pests without releasing toxic chemicals into the air.