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Moth wings have a sense of smell

Researchers discovered that tobacco hawkmoth wings have specialized hair-like structures that can detect specific aromas. The wings contain sensory receptors that can pick out unpleasant amine odours, guiding the moths to their favorite plants for laying eggs.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

Does fertility affect a woman’s body odor?

Researchers analyzed underarm odour samples from 29 women over a menstrual cycle, finding no evidence that men prefer fertile days. Chemical analysis also showed no correlation between odour composition and fertility status.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Chemical cocktail in skin summons disease-spreading mosquitoes

Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022