Sick People Smell Bad: Why Dogs Sniff Dogs, Humans Sniff Humans, and Dogs Sometimes Sniff Humans
Sick People Smell Bad: Why Dogs Sniff Dogs, Humans Sniff Humans, and Dogs Sometimes Sniff Humans You may have an illness and not even know it—and the proof could be on your breath. That’s because our bodies give off complex aromas, some too faint for a human nose. And when sickness alters cell metabolism, an array of telltale volatile chemicals make their way into our breath, urine, and sweat. Now, research labs around the world are figuring out how to use gas sensors to detect disease. Here are a few ailments they’ve gotten a whiff of so far. Lung Cancer Breath odor: Ammonia, fish Source: Methyl hydrazine Detection: A grid of gold nanoparticles, each with different chemiresistive organic coatings. Certain volatile chemicals cause the sensor’s particles to swell, changing their electrical resistance and allowing scientists to identify signs of cancer on a patient’s breath. Preeclampsia Breath odor: Lighter fluid Source: Undecane, 6-methyltridecane, 2-methylpentane, 5-methyltetradecane, 2-methylnonane Detection: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometer. The instrument can spot markers of runaway oxidation in a pregnant woman’s body, an indicator of preeclampsia. Ketoacidosis Breath odor: Rotten apples, nail polish remover Source: Acetone Detection: Polymer sensors. Acetone is produced by the liver when sugar-starved cells shred fat to make energy. In theory, the sensors could be built into cheap, pocket-sized gadgets that tell diabetics when to take insulin. Schizophrenia Breath odor: Ether Source: Carbon disulphide Detection: Ion trap mass spectrometer. If someone is certifiably nuts, their breath may have notes of ether and pentane, according to one study. Unfortunately pentane appears in high levels with all sorts of disorders, so it’s not a reliable marker. Urinary Tract Infections Urine odor: Cheese, locker rooms, feet Source: Isovaleric acid Detection : Electronic nose. Equipped with 14 different types of conductive polymers, the synthetic sniffer can distinguish between infections caused by E. coli, staph, and proteus parasites. Melanoma Skin odor: Gasoline Source: Nonane, phthalate, butanal, dimethylsulfone, indole Detection: Gas sensor array. Researchers have developed a device that can analyze the volatile chemicals emanating from a tissue specimen tube to determine whether the sample is cancerous.
I have known two people who had cancer .. their dogs had warned them for weeks prior to their diagnosis, I definitely believe they have the ability to sense sometimes.. that something is wrong.
Thanks for sharing, Paper