Life & Wellness

Why Can Humans Smell Rain Better Than Sharks Can Smell Blood

Why Can Humans Smell Rain Better Than Sharks Can Smell Blood
A rainbow appears between palm trees during a winter storm that blanketed the region with rain, snow, and hail in Redondo Beach, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2023. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Irina Antonova
Irina Antonova
M.S., Ph.D.
|Updated:

Humans can smell rain better than sharks can smell blood, and it’s all because of something bacteria, algae, and fungi produce.

Called geosmin, it is a chemical compound produced by certain types of bacteria, algae, and fungi, and if you are human, you can detect the scent of geosmin in very low concentrations—as low as 100 parts per trillion, according to a study in 1992.
Irina Antonova
Irina Antonova
M.S., Ph.D.
Irina Antonova holds a M.S. in Genetics (from Bulgaria) and Ph.D. in Biotechnology (from Australia). Throughout her career, Irina worked as a scientist in academia and the industry, as well as teaching at universities. She enjoys learning about the mysteries of mind, body, life, and the universe.
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