Know sweat: scientists solve mystery behind body odour

[Northerner]

Scientists have unravelled the mysterious mechanism behind the armpit’s ability to produce the pungent smell of body odour.

Researchers at the University of York traced the source of underarm odour to a particular enzyme in a certain microbe that lives in the human armpit.

To prove the enzyme was the chemical culprit, the scientists transferred it to an innocent member of the underarm microbe community and noted – to their delight – that it too began to emanate bad smells.

The work paves the way for more effective deodorants and antiperspirants, the scientists believe, and suggests that humans may have inherited the mephitic microbes from our ancient primate ancestors.

Know sweat: scientists solve mystery behind body odour

University of York researchers trace the source of underarm aromas to a particular enzyme

www.theguardian.com

 

[HenryBennett]

I walked past a middle aged couple in the street recently and the BO was as bad as anything I’ve smelt in a very very long time. Hopefully this will help them.

 

[mikeyB]

I was told at med school that body odour was caused by bacteria.So they've wasted half a century at least to discover the particular enzyme. I suppose it will be another half century before they reach the conclusion that it might be a good idea to kill the bacteria.

 

[trophywench]

I still say the answer is Mitchum deodorant under the pits, and no substitute for regular application of soap and water elsewhere!

Bit of a downer really when it turns out that procreation of humans has more to do with sniffing to see if the female would be receptive and 'stand' for the male to execute the deed, than faces, eyes or any other sundry other bits of anatomy ........