Coping with the death of a loved one is one of life’s most difficult challenges. It often leaves us feeling lost and overwhelmed, and the journey of healing can take months or even years. Grief affects every aspect of life—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—leaving a lasting mark.
Some people believe we can sense when death is near, while others see it as coincidence. Regardless of belief, science shows that the body undergoes immediate changes after death. One of these is the release of chemical compounds that carry hidden signals to those around.
Among these chemicals is putrescine, a foul-smelling substance that plays an unusual role in human perception. Unlike pheromones, which communicate attraction or bonding, putrescine sends a warning message that the body is decaying. This subtle cue can affect human behavior even if people are unaware of it.
Researchers Wisman and Shira studied the effects of putrescine on people. Participants exposed to the odor consistently responded by moving away, even though they did not consciously recognize it. This suggests that humans, like animals, have built-in instincts tied to survival and danger.