Summary of Smells Influence Metabolism and Aging:
A study by researchers at the University of Otago has found that exposure to female odors and pheromones can cause weight loss and extend the lifespan of mice, with potential implications for humans. Newborn mice exposed to odors from adult females until they were 60 days old reached sexual maturity later and lived an average of 8% longer than those not exposed. The study discovered that the smell of females could increase male mouse energy expenditure, subsequently influencing their body weight and fat levels. The study suggests that sensory cues from social environments can cause changes that may have long-term effects on aging.
*****
Female Odors and Pheromones Can Extend Lifespan and Promote Weight Loss in Mice, Study Finds
Scientists from the University of Otago have discovered that exposure to female odors and pheromones in mice can contribute to longer lifespans and weight loss. The study, which highlights the impact of sensory cues on metabolism and aging, has potential implications for humans.
A Surprising Discovery
According to Dr. Michael Garratt, the lead researcher, the impact of sensory cues on sex hormones has long been understood for both animals and humans. However, the study shows that exposure to female odors and pheromones can also have more widespread effects on metabolism and aging.
Female odors have been found to slow the sexual development of female mice, thus extending their lifespan by an average of 8 percent. Mice exposed to female pheromones also tend to have lower body weight and fat levels.
Effects on Male Mice
While male mice do not directly benefit from longer lifespans, exposure to female odors as adults can still significantly affect their weight and metabolism.
“We have found that exposing male mice to female odors increases their energy expenditure for several hours after exposure,” explains Dr. Garratt. “These effects are sufficient to induce weight loss and protect against males getting very fat when fed a diet with excess energy.”
Sensory Cues and Physiology
The study is the first observation that olfactory signals and secreted factors in soiled bedding and urine can increase the lifespan of a mammal. More than this, however, the study indicates that sensory cues in the social environment can lead to physiological changes with long-term effects.
“We would now like to understand how information received by the olfactory system is capable of inducing widespread effects,” Dr. Garratt says. “It is also possible that exposing male mice to female odors when they are adults may influence their lifespans, and that’s a question we are currently pursuing.”
Implications for Humans
While the study focused on mice, the findings could have potential implications for humans. The researchers observed that sensory cues from others could lead to more widespread effects across the body.
Scientists believe that humans can benefit similarly from sensory cues in the environment. Aside from pheromones, comfort levels, feelings of belongingness, and community bonding could produce effects similar to those seen in mice.
The Bottom Line
The study conducted at the University of Otago underscores the power of sensory cues and their potential impact on metabolism, aging, and overall health. Scientists hope the results will pave the way for new research into the role of sensory cues in human health and well-being.
Comments are closed