Life in the pits: Scientists identify the key enzyme behind body odor

[Eugene]

Source: University of York

JULY 27, 2020

Life in the pits: Scientists identify the key enzyme behind body odor

by University of York

Scientists have discovered a unique enzyme responsible for the pungent characteristic smell we call body odor or BO.

Researchers from the University of York have previously shown that only a few bacteria in your armpit are the real culprits behind BO. Now the same team, in collaboration with Unilever scientists, has gone a step further to discover a unique "BO enzyme" found only within these bacteria and responsible for the characteristic armpit odor.

This new research highlights how particular bacteria have evolved a specialized enzyme to produce some of the key molecules we recognize as BO.

Co-first author Dr. Michelle Rudden from the group of Prof. Gavin Thomas in the University of York's Department of Biology, said: "Solving the structure of this "BO enzyme' has allowed us to pinpoint the molecular step inside certain bacteria that makes the odor molecules. This is a key advancement in understanding how body odor works, and will enable the development of targeted inhibitors that stop BO production at source without disrupting the armpit microbiome."

Your armpit hosts a diverse community of bacteria that is part of your natural skin microbiome. This research highlights Staphylococcus hominis as one of the main microbes behind body odor.

-snip-

Read more: https://phys.org/news/2020-07-life-pits-scientists-key-enzyme.html

[Lunabell]

1. Well interesting.

I wonder if this will bring about a revolution in deodorants? Personally, I like secret. Others just don't give me the same...satisfactory outcome.

[Backseat Driver]

3. Secret is not only a deodorant but an antiperspirant

while it may work well to control odor, there may be a small price to pay in terms of toxicity in the human body: check your choice and learn about less toxic choices:

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search=Secret+antiperspirant

[Lunabell]

4. I'm good.

[lastlib]

5. I'm all for a...

Satisfactory Olfactory Outcome!

[Backseat Driver]

2. Ok - after reading this and related stories

at the link, I am more worried than ever. We have feral domestic Pekin ducks on our community pond. Aflac was the oldest male and had a long-lasting relationship with Molly and they've had ducklings together and he's been slowing down in his old age. There is noted competition for Molly, but he is protective. Pekin's are not good parents; the remaining 2 Pekins are their offspring because we raised and released the babies back to the totally free-range pond. Feral domestics are not generally covered by Wildlife legislation. Aflac hurt his foot and wing the other day; I don't know how: car, predator, escape from fishing line, or just a stumble in the dark but it appeared he was unable to bear weight on it or get out of the water. 24 hours later we watched as he dragged himself onto the bank at a low spot. I called to see if the wildlife organization would capture him and take him to the rescue hospital for treatment of what appeared to be a fractured ankle or dislocation.

His girlfriend is looking and calling for him, and I miss seeing them together too but better than watching him slowly weakening and drowning or being hawk-bait. Pekins can't fly anyway. Because of CoVid, the hospital won't give me a diagnosis or prognosis on his recovery(?) and return to Molly and our community; less staff and very busy. Now I'm also worried that he will smell different and she won't recognize his attentions anyway should he return due to medications like antibiotics and diet in-hospital, (if he's fixable at all). If not, he will be humanely euthanized.

So sad to watch his girlfriend grieving; guess I am too - hope his injury can be fixed. All we can do is wait...