Losing someone we love is one of life’s most profound challenges. Grief changes us — not just emotionally, but also mentally and physically. Healing often takes time, as our minds search for meaning and our hearts try to adjust to a world that feels different. In that process, many people reflect on what it means to live, to love, and to let go. Science, too, has sought to understand how humans respond to the subtle cues that accompany the end of life, offering fascinating insights into our natural instincts.
Researchers have found that our bodies and senses are remarkably attuned to changes in the environment, even those we don’t consciously notice. When life ends, the body begins releasing certain chemical compounds. Among these is one called putrescine, which carries a distinct scent. While the term might sound clinical, its discovery helps scientists better understand how humans and animals detect and react to signals of change around them — signals tied to awareness, safety, and instinct.
In studies by psychologists Arnaud Wisman and Ilan Shrira, participants exposed to tiny, harmless traces of this compound became more alert and cautious, often stepping back without realizing why. This instinctive response, similar to the fight-or-flight reaction, suggests that our sense of smell quietly influences our emotions and decisions, even when we’re not fully aware of it.
These findings remind us how powerful our senses are — how scent, in particular, can shape our feelings, memories, and behavior. Just as familiar aromas can bring comfort or nostalgia, others can heighten awareness or caution. Far from being a sign of fear, this natural sensitivity reflects our deep connection to the world around us — a quiet, protective instinct woven into what it means to be human.