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The Unusual Functions of Geosmin
The Unusual Functions of Geosmin
The compounds responsible for the earthy smell of recent rain are produced by a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. Recent research sheds light on why microbes bother.
The compounds responsible for the earthy smell of recent rain are produced by a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. Recent research sheds light on why microbes bother.
chemical cues
Exposure to Chemical from Babies Linked to Aggression
Chloe Tenn | Nov 22, 2021 | 3 min read
A study finds that the odorless compound hexadecanal, or HEX, increases aggressive behavior in women but has a calming effect on men.
Generations of Insect Attacks Drive Plants to “Talk” Publicly
Ashley Yeager | Mar 1, 2020 | 4 min read
Goldenrods that evolved in the presence of herbivores release volatile chemicals that trigger defenses in neighboring plants of their species, even those that are genetically unrelated.
Fruit Flies Hide Their Eggs in Plain View
Karl Gruber | Jun 1, 2019 | 2 min read
Chemical cues help Drosophila mask their eggs from predators.
Researchers Look to Sex Pheromones to Trap an Invasive Snake
Steve Graff | Jul 1, 2018 | 4 min read
The brown tree snake has wreaked havoc on the island of Guam, but one solution to the problem could lie in the serpent’s own physiology.
Behavior Brief
Chris Palmer | Aug 5, 2013 | 5 min read
A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research
A Gamete Matchmaker
Hannah Waters | Mar 22, 2012 | 3 min read
Chemical cues dispersed by mussel eggs may attract sperm that are their perfect match.