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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Sampling and Analysis of Animal Scent Signals
Published on: February 13, 2021
The secret codes of mammalian scents
David M Ferrero1, Stephen D Liberles1
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
The scents of mammals are complex blends of natural products that reveal a wealth of individual information. Many mammals can decipher these scent codes to discern the gender, age, endocrine status, social status, and genotype of conspecifics using dedicated sensory receptors in their olfactory system. Among these social odors are pheromones, chemicals that trigger innate behaviors and physiological responses. Here, we review classes of mammal-derived natural products that influence behavior through activation of the olfactory system.
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