Humans May Subconsciously Sense Death, Study Suggests, Despite advances in science, some aspects of the human body remain a mystery. Research suggests we may have a subconscious ability to sense approaching death.
When a person dies, their body releases putrescine, a foul-smelling compound from decomposition. Studies by psychologists Arnaud Wisman and Ilan Shira show that humans, like animals, react instinctively to this scent—often with avoidance or heightened alertness,Though we don’t consciously recognize putrescine or link it to death, it triggers subconscious survival instincts. This reaction is opposite to the way humans respond to pheromones, which influence attraction and mating behavior.