You smell terrified: We can detect when others are scared by their scent, new study shows

By David Derbyshire
Last updated at 1:22 AM on 02nd July 2009

The smell of fear really does exist - and it may be catching, researchers say.

A study has shown that we can subconsciously detect when others are scared simply from the chemicals released from their skin.

Scientists who made the discovery believe the signals can spread a ripple of fear through a group.

The findings add to the growing evidence that our sense of smell is far more sophisticated that many of us realise - and that humans can detect and react to pheromones released by others.

The researchers believe fear and anxiety trigger the release of a chemical that makes other people empathise.

Last year scientists funded by the U.S. Pentagon found the smell of anxious people triggered a heightened response in brain regions associated with fear.