Fresh fish has a pleasant and strongly marine smell. But when it deteriorates, it gives off a characteristic stench that is caused by trimethylamine (TMA). This amine – a nitrogenous organic compound – is a product of the bacterial metabolism of trimethylamine oxide (OTMA), which is present in large quantities in the body of marine fish. OTMA participates in osmoregulation mechanisms, since it prevents dehydration of the fish in a medium as saline as sea water. During the decomposition process, TMA is split into dimethylamine (DMA) and formaldehyde, and volatile amines appear that impregnate the environment with an unpleasant odor.
Why does stale fish smell so bad?
Japanese scientists create a 'washing machine for humans'
Can you imagine taking a relaxing bath in a machine that washes you with bubbles, plays relaxing music or videos?
Insect swarms generate as much electricity as a thunderstorm
Swarms of bees can generate an electrical charge of 1,000 volts per meter, a higher voltage density than thunderclouds and electrified dust storms.
This is what the Earth's magnetic field sounds like
The shield that protects our planet sounds 'pretty scary', according to ESA engineers.
Days were only 17 hours long 2.46 billion years ago
It was when the Moon was much closer to our planet. As the centuries pass, the Moon slowly recedes and the length of our day gradually lengthens accordingly.
Women are better at doing crosswords
A new study has revealed that women have a 'small but robust' advantage over time.