Coping with the death of a loved one is one of the hardest challenges in life. It leaves us feeling lost, and healing from it takes time—sometimes years. “It leaves a mark on us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” affecting every part of life.

Some believe people can sense when death is near, while others argue it’s just coincidence. What we know for sure is that the body begins to disintegrate immediately after death, releasing chemical compounds like putrescine, a foul-smelling substance that humans subconsciously recognize. “Putrescine signals a different type of message than pheromones,” researchers explain.

This chemical acts as a warning, causing people to react with avoidance and fear, similar to animals sensing danger. In a study by Wisman and Shira, people were exposed to putrescine and their immediate response was to move away from the area. “People are not familiar with putrescine and do not consciously associate it with death or fear,” the researchers revealed.

Interestingly, other smells like sweat can trigger similar reactions, especially when it’s tied to fear. These subconscious reactions are part of how humans respond to danger and keep themselves safe. Read more below