Humans respond to the scent of fear

[jvkohl]

Chemosignals of Fear Enhance Cognitive Performance in Humans
Denise Chen, Ameeta Katdare, and Nadia Lucas
Chem.

Senses 2006 31: 415-423.


http://chemse.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/co

ntent/abstract/31/5/415?etoc

Excerpt from article summary:

"...in humans, fear
chemosignals

facilitated overall accuracy in identifying word
relatedness independent of the perceived olfactory qualities
of

the smells. We have also suggested that the effect arises
from a learned association including greater

cautiousness
and concomitant changes in cognitive strategies."

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