Scientists have discovered the cause of body odor and say their discovery will help companies develop more effective antiperspirants.
Researchers from York University have identified the exact enzyme that produces the pungent odor known as body odor, or ‘BO’, and say it has existed since humans have been on the planet.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights how particular bacteria have developed a specialized enzyme to produce some of the key molecules recognized as BO.
The researchers discovered the enzyme by transferring it to odorless bacteria and found that it also began to produce an odor.
Dr. Michelle Rudden and Professor Gavin Thomas from the Biology Department at York University worked with Unilever scientists on the project.
They said: “Solving the structure of this BO enzyme has allowed us to determine the molecular passage within certain bacteria that produce odor molecules.
“This is a key advance to understanding how body odor works, and will allow the development of specific inhibitors that stop BO production at the source without disrupting the armpit microbiome.”
Underarms harbor a diverse community of bacteria that is part of their natural skin microbiome.
When bacteria in the armpit find sweat, they produce spicy products called thio alcohols that are responsible for the odor.
Scientists identified Staphylococcus hominis as one of the main microbes that produce that odor.
They also said that this enzyme was present long before the emergence of homo sapiens as a species, suggesting that body odor existed before the evolution of modern humans.
“All we can say is that this is not a new process. BO definitely existed as humans evolved, ”said Professor Thomas.
“It is not impossible to imagine that these were important in the evolution of humans. Before starting to use deodorants and antiperspirants, in the last 50 to 100 years, everyone definitely smelled.
“Our noses are extremely good at detecting these thio alcohols at extremely low thresholds, so they are really important for body odor,” Professor Thomas told the Guardian.
“They have a very characteristic corny and onion smell that you would recognize. They are incredibly spicy. “
When asked about developing more effective antiperspirants, he said: “If you can have a more specific approach that selectively eliminates Staphylococcus hominis, it could be more durable.”
In 2016, a study found that an underarm shaving razor could prevent the development of underarm odor in men.
According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, removing this hair with a razor blade or waxing can immediately increase the effectiveness of standard daily soap washing.
“Regular shaving with a razor should be considered as part of a grooming regimen that can be used to effectively control body odors,” concluded study author Dr. Anthony Lanzalaco.
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