The Unlikely Buddha

The unmistakable, nauseating odor of death has fascinated and repelled humans for centuries. In the late 1800s, German physician Ludwig Brieger identified two key molecules responsible for this smell: cadaverine and putrescine . These compounds are formed during the decomposition of animal tissue, and their production is a fascinating mix of biology, chemistry, and microbial activity. What Are Cadaverine and Putrescine? Cadaverine and putrescine are foul-smelling organic compounds classified as diamines. They are produced when amino acids in proteins break down during decomposition: - Cadaverine is derived from the amino acid lysine through a process called decarboxylation, catalyzed by microbial enzymes like lysine decarboxylase. - Putrescine is formed from ornithine or arginine via similar enzymatic processes. Both compounds are released during the bloat and putrefaction stages of decomposition, when microorganisms feast on tissues and release gases that con...

For centuries, mummies have captivated the imagination, symbolizing ancient rituals and mysteries. Now, thanks to groundbreaking research led by Professor Matija Strlič and his team, we’re discovering that mummies have another story to tell—through their smells. By analyzing the odors of nine ancient Egyptian mummies, researchers are uncovering secrets about embalming practices, cultural heritage, and even modern conservation. The Science of Smelling Mummies Using advanced techniques like gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O) combined with trained human sniffers, the team identified a range of odors described as “woody,” “spicy,” “sweet,” and occasionally “rancid.” These smells come from embalming materials such as pine resin, frankincense, and myrrh, as well as microbial activity or modern conservation treatments. The study revealed that stronger or more pleasant aromas often correlate with higher-quality embalming practices, suggesting the so...