Scent secrets of insects

Unearthing the secrets of ancient immature insects

Jurassic fossils of a bizarre fly larva that lived in water as a blood-sucking parasite highlight how much can be learnt from the study of the fossils of immature insects.

Fly Movie Theater Reveals Secrets of How Insects See the World

Blood Scent

Blood cell production is tightly regulated by cell-intrinsic mechanisms and environmental factors. The study by Utpal Banerjee and colleagues and colleagues reveals that, in Drosophila, olfactory signals control hematopoietic progenitor maintenance, thus uncovering a physiological link between sensory perception and hematopoietic response to environmental stress.

The scent of fear.

In this study we tried to find out if fear can be detected from human body odours. Female subjects wore under-arm axillary pads while watching a terrifying film. Saliva cortisol samples were taken before and after the film presentation as a hormonal measure for the fear response. The fear experience itself was measured by Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A "neutral" film, shown one ...

The scent of life

A plume of invisible aromas rising from wet grass after a rain shower, the smell of a freshly baked cake, or the hint of a perfume wafting in the air can all evoke strong feelings and memories. Our lives are apparently dominated by the visual sense, but often smells trigger much deeper emotional responses. In fact, olfactory sensations rule much of the behaviour and ecology of a myriad of anima...