And today we are already addressing the issue of the smell of rain.

You may not have heard, but in 1964, two Australian scientists coined the term Petrichor, derived from the Greek petra ("stone") + ichor ("ichor", the liquid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology) to refer to the aroma remaining in air after it rains.

An organic compound called geosmin is involved in the formation of this smell. Translated from Greek, this word means "smell of the earth." Geosmin is a product of the vital activity of soil bacteria of the genus streptomycin and blue-green algae. The most pronounced smell of geosmin can be found, for example, in an earthen basement. Also, this smell is associated with "dampness", "humidity", "mustiness".

And what is the danger here?

During dry periods, some plants release oils, and when it rains, oil vapors are released, creating fragrance. The second reaction that creates this odor occurs when chemicals produced by soil bacteria known as actinomycetes are released. When the soil dries out, the bacteria release spores into the soil. The force of rain droplets lifts these tiny spores into the air, where the moisture from the rain acts as an aerosol. Humid air easily carries spores to us, and we inhale them. These spores have a specific smell of the earth, which we often associate with rain. Because these bacteria thrive in moist soil, and release spores when the soil dries out, the smell is most noticeable after rain following a drought, although it can be noticed to varying degrees after most rainstorms.

Another type of smell is due to the acidity of the rain. Due to the presence of chemicals in the atmosphere, rainwater tends to be somewhat acidic, especially in urban environments. When it comes into contact with organic debris or chemicals in the soil, certain specific aromatic reactions occur. Rainwater breaks down the integrity of the soil, washing out the minerals it contains, and reacts with chemicals such as gasoline, giving them a stronger odor. These reactions usually produce less pleasant odors than bacterial spores, so the smell is not always good after rain. Like the smell of bacterial spores, the smell of chemical reactions is most noticeable when it rains right after a dry period. This is because, once dissolved by one shower, they do not enter into the same reaction with rainwater.

Another smell felt after rain comes from the essential oils that plants and trees secrete. Oil accumulates on surfaces such as rocks. The rain reacts with the oil on the rocks and carries it in a gaseous state through the air. This smell, like the smell of bacteria spores, the smell of freshness, is liked by many people. It is even bottled and sold for flavoring!

After rain, (mostly harmless) bacteria rise into the air, which in very rare cases can be pathogens of serious diseases. Scientists for a long time could not understand exactly how this process works, but finally figured it out.

A team of researchers published an article in the scientific journal Nature explaining how petrichor gets into our noses. Scientists could not understand how this substance is sprayed into the air due to the fall of ordinary raindrops.

“Using high-speed cameras and fluorescent dye, the scientists were able to record water droplets falling on various types of soil that contained this organic matter. The recorded footage clearly shows how the droplets literally catapult microbes into the air.

When a drop falls to the surface at a certain speed, it captures the air bubbles formed under it, each of which has a diameter no larger than a human hair. The air bubbles then pass through the droplet and eventually burst. As part of this process, tiny trickles of water rise into the air, and some of them may contain disease-causing bacteria, which are then spread through the air," the article says.

Scientists have found that when just one drop falls, hundreds of tiny bubbles are released, each of which can contain thousands of live bacteria. Inside these almost invisible bubbles, bacteria can only survive for about one hour. But as soon as they are released into the air, they are picked up and carried by the wind. As Cullen Bui, one of the researchers of this scientific project, notes, the next task for scientists will be to find out how far these bacteria are able to spread in this way.

The organic matter itself is not particularly remarkable and, as it turned out, does not pose any danger to the body. However, the reason Bui and her colleagues chose to undertake this study is because previous studies have shown some level of association between the prevalence of melioidosis and rainy seasons in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The disease itself is treatable, but without the availability of suitable antibiotics, mortality among affected people can be as high as 90%.

This is far from the first study in which scientists have attempted to link the extent of melioidosis to rainfall levels, but new work adds to our understanding of the problem. At the end of their article, the scientists report that we should not worry about this extremely rare disease. And almost all of us can breathe freely, without fear, and enjoy the pleasant smell after the rain.

sources

Scientists explain why people like the smell of rain

© Photo by Ksenia Buletova

WASHINGTON, June 27th. Many people love the smell of rain. This is inherent in human nature. Indeed, some scholars believe that man inherited his love for the smell of rain from ancestors for whom rainy weather equated survival.

However, why is it that a person is pleased not so much with the rain itself as with its smell? Scientists managed to find a solution.

There are several aromas that are associated with precipitation and that impress a person, Raut reports.

One of these smells is called petrikor. It appears when it rains after a long drought. The term petrichor that accompanies this phenomenon was coined 50 years ago by Australian scientists who studied the smells of wet and damp weather.

It is a derivative of two chemical reactions. During dry periods, some plants release oils, and when it rains, oil vapors are released, creating fragrance.

The second reaction that creates this odor occurs when chemicals produced by soil bacteria known as actinomycetes are released.

Another scent that is associated and associated with rain is the smell of ozone. During a thunderstorm, lightning splits hydrogen and nitrogen molecules into the atmosphere, and these in turn are converted into nitric oxide.

This substance interacts with other chemicals in the air to form ozone, which has a strong odor that most people enjoy.

When someone claims to smell the approaching rain, it means that the wind from the approaching storm brought with it the smell of ozone.

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You walk slowly and don't know what to think - you don't think about anything. You only hear and it seems that you can do everything... You can finally breathe in this smell. The smell of the earth after the rain... You will finally be able to catch this invisible edge of despair and dampness. You think it's over. Yes, that is right. You just haven't thought about it for a long time. You walk through puddles without thinking about boots, you just enjoy doing it. And you want to forget. Leave this world, but not for long. Go to where the eternal rains. And the eternal smell of the earth after the rain. But you won't go there. You already tried, but it didn't work. You close your eyes blissfully. Listen to the sounds of silence. At night, on a white night, when the rain stops falling, you close your eyes for a moment and listen. Everyone is asleep and knows nothing. They did not think about what would happen tomorrow, but simply went to bed. In this strange city, people are completely different. They don't look like anyone but themselves. It rains all summer and you miss it so much in cold winter. You miss the smell of the earth so much after the rain. Silence does not cut, it gives you the opportunity to calm down. Loneliness will not consume you, and you know it. Because you are stronger than him. You will not become a puppet and you will be a puppeteer. You will be who you are meant to be. One day you will find a book in which your life will be written, and the printed lines will not be erased. One day you will find your guiding star, but halfway through it will crumble into billions of grains. One day you will be alone again, but you fell to fly. One day it will, but for now you peer into the sleepy faces of people. They wake up reluctantly, they are ready to sleep for an eternity. How wrong they are ... But you are silent and do not utter a sound. But you know what's next. You are not a puppet or a puppeteer. You are a spectator, and you have watched this film many times, but you still continue to watch. You can't swim, but you can fly. Or maybe it's the other way around?.. Or is it better to see everything than a small detail of life... You won't forget others, you won't forget your family. After all, that's all you have left. Everything that is dear to you. Do you love nature? You are always ready to watch how occasionally drops drip, flowing from the leaves - all that is left after the rain. Rain always leaves its marks. Rare tears of heaven and smell. The smell of damp earth. Yes, day by day. It doesn't seem to change, but you see a little detail of life that is constantly changing. She is ready to surprise forever ... And you just listen and inhale the smell. Only this smell you are ready to inhale forever. He lets you see the truth. And you will see it through unnecessary layers of paint. He will open your heart to those who really need it. It reminds of those who are just around, even though you know that you are a stranger in this world. We are all strangers ... We only came to visit, but only you know about it, and you will never reveal the truth. You will only listen, and inhale this smell of damp earth ...

Why are there lovers of strange smells? Neuropsychologist and odor expert Rachel Hertz explains the phenomenon this way: “There is no such thing as good or bad smell. When we are born, we do not have perfume preferences. They are formed later by the culture, when we are told that this smells good and this smells bad. In addition, our love for certain smells is associated with our emotions and memories. For example, if you loved to swim in the pool as a child, then as an adult, the smell of bleach may be quite pleasant for you. Some scents that are not associated with childhood memories we like because they are associated with something pleasant. For example, the smell of leather is associated with luxury, whether it's new shoes or a leather car seat. That’s why so many people love leather scents in perfumery.”

The smell of gasoline

The smell of gasoline has become a part of the life of car owners, but it can be found even in high-quality German Riesling. An explanation for the love of the flavor of gasoline can be found in the pages of a medical or chemistry course: gasoline contains compounds called aromatic hydrocarbons, which provoke a feeling of euphoria when inhaled in small quantities, as well as much more serious symptoms, such as loss of consciousness and death, in large doses. .

Doctors also warn that if the passion for the aroma of gasoline has become like insanity, then it is worth checking your hemoglobin level. In most cases, it is anemia that manifests itself in this way. Especially for such addicts, perfumers have created a kind of anti-aromas.

Nostalgia by Santa Maria Novella

The fragrance is dedicated to the automotive endurance race « Mille Miglia, which was held in Italy on public roads from 1927 to 1957. The event is reproduced through the smell of gasoline, burnt rubber, leather interior and sunny bergamot.

Olfactory Library Series 6 Synthetic Tar Eau de Toilette by Comme des Garçons

The fragrances of the sixth series of Comme des Garçons are dedicated to objects and materials created by man. The Tar contains the entire metropolis with its inherent urban smells: bituminous roofs, household gas, gasoline, damp whitewashing and an iron fence.

Subway smell

The subway has a complex smell. It contains hot dust that heats up on car parts, iron (the smell of rails and cars), old stones and tunnel dampness. But the most striking smell of the subway is due to the creosote that the sleepers are impregnated with. This fragrance smells like birch tar and coal. Most likely, the love of many people for this smell is associated with childhood memories, when the railway was associated with adventure, travel and the discovery of new space. In perfumery, the smell of creosote conveys birch tar in combination with resins, balms and woody notes.

North by Mendittorosa Odori d "Anima

The fragrance was created under the influence of the Far North - wooden logs, ski wax, snow-covered fields and dried immortelle. The subway has not yet been laid here, but it already smells of creosote.

Wormwood

Wormwood grows almost everywhere. It has a dry, slightly spicy bitter green flavor and many health benefits. For example, wormwood extract is used to make absinthe. It is this ingredient that gives absinthe a specific, incomparable taste. The chemical composition of wormwood is diverse, it includes bitterness and essential oils. It contains malic and succinic organic acids, protein, resinous and tannins. Wormwood has been used since ancient times: among the ancient Slavs, wormwood was considered a cult plant capable of cleansing the spiritual and physical world, and in ancient Rome it was used as a means to strengthen the stomach and remove bile from the body. In modern aromatherapy, wormwood is recommended for enhancing psychic strength and eliminating anger. Astronauts still traditionally take a sprig of wormwood with them on a flight - it retains the smell longer than all other plants and reminds of the Earth.

Île Pourpre by Liquides Imaginaires

The name of the fragrance translates as "Purple Island", and it is built on notes of black fig, bitter wormwood, bergamot, iris and incense. The composition turned out to be multifaceted and iridescent - from bitter greenery to sweetness and smoke. To understand it, several approaches are required.

Le Sillage Blanc by Parfums Dusita

This green composition is based on notes of bitter-resinous galbanum, sweet neroli, bitter-spicy wormwood, tobacco and leather. The nose behind this fragrance is Thai perfumer Pissara Umavijani. Energetic fragrance instantly became popular among connoisseurs.

The smell of damp earth

This aroma is found not only in nature, but also in aged red wines. Many people like this smell, but it does not come from the earth at all. Microbiologists have found that the organic substance geosmin smells like this. Geosmin is produced by various classes of microorganisms, including cyanobacteria and actinomycetes. The human sense of smell is very sensitive to geosmin. Why? The answer is simple: once we had to survive and look for fertile soil. Geosmin is the smell of fertile, wet earth after rain.

Woods in Fog by Voronoi

The theme of the fragrance is stated in the title - "Forests in the Fog". And the whole composition is about this: wet wood, damp earth, moss and patchouli. This fragrance is especially beautiful in nature.

Figment Man by Amouage

This masculine fragrance has a lot of earthy, woody and animalistic notes. An intimate fragrance that everyone hears differently: the composition evokes associations with a damp basement, forest, wet spring soil, tree mushrooms and autumn foliage.

Old books

The scent of old books is still one of the favorites of many people. It is a sweet smell reminiscent of vanilla, suede, dry biscuits and dust. As a rule, the smell of books evokes memories of childhood - the time of learning the world, hobbies, discovering something new.

Paperback by Demeter

The name of the fragrance translates as "Bookbinding", and it is this fragrance that is felt most strongly in the composition. The composition by Demeter perfumers turned out to be suede-vanilla, softly enveloping.

Many people like the smell after rain. It gives not only a feeling of freshness, but also - how to say - calmness in the world. Did you know that this smell can kill you? That's right, as a result of rain, (in most cases harmless) bacteria rise into the air, which in very rare cases can be pathogens of serious diseases. Scientists for a long time could not understand exactly how this process works, but finally figured it out.

A team of researchers published an article in the scientific journal Nature explaining how this “earthy smell of freshness” gets into our noses after rain. Firstly, it should be said that the aroma that we feel after rain is not produced by fresh air and grass, golden in the glimpses of the rays between the clouds. This smell exudes an organic substance called geosmin. It is produced by various classes of microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, actinomycetes. This was known until today, but scientists could not understand how this substance is sprayed into the air due to the fall of ordinary raindrops.

“Using high-speed cameras and fluorescent dye, the scientists were able to record water droplets falling on different types of soil that contained this organic matter. The recorded footage clearly shows how the droplets literally catapult microbes into the air.

When a drop falls to the surface at a certain speed, it captures the air bubbles formed under it, each of which has a diameter no larger than a human hair. The air bubbles then pass through the droplet and eventually burst. As part of this process, tiny trickles of water are lifted into the air, and some of them may contain disease-causing bacteria, which are then spread through the air.”

Scientists have found that when just one drop falls, hundreds of tiny bubbles are released, each of which can contain thousands of live bacteria. Inside these almost invisible bubbles, bacteria can only survive for about one hour. But as soon as they are released into the air, they are picked up and carried by the wind. As Cullen Bui, one of the researchers of this scientific project, notes, the next task for scientists will be to find out how far these bacteria are able to spread in this way.

The organic matter itself is not particularly remarkable and, as it turned out, does not pose any danger to the body. However, the reason Bui and her colleagues chose to undertake this study is because previous studies have shown some level of association between the prevalence of melioidosis and rainy seasons in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The disease itself is treatable, but without the availability of suitable antibiotics, mortality among affected people can be as high as 90 percent.

This is far from the first study in which scientists have attempted to link the extent of melioidosis to rainfall levels, but new work adds to our understanding of the problem. At the end of their article, the scientists report that we should not worry about this extremely rare disease. And almost all of us can breathe freely, without fear, and enjoy the pleasant smell after the rain.