Smells like (microbial) team spirit Scientists have known since the 1960s that geosmin is made by microorganisms in the soil, primarily by bacteria with the scientific name Streptomyces.

Busby says this might also explain why the smell of rain is strongest when it comes from rain hitting dry soil. “As soil dries out, the bacteria are going to go dormant, and there seems to be a ...

Sometimes, you can even smell ozone in the air (it has a sharp scent reminiscent of chlorine) before a storm arrives because it can be carried over long distances from high altitudes.

Despite being hard to place, there’s a clear source for that unmistakable smell of spring: geosmin, an organic compound commonly found in soil Scientists in the U.K. and Sweden discovered the ...

Sometimes, you can even smell ozone in the air (it has a sharp scent reminiscent of chlorine) before a storm arrives because it can be carried over long distances from high altitudes.

"I know that smell is caused by a fungus becoming airborne, but smells earthy," she continues – describing petrichor. Carrie Barcomb of Pennsylvania experiences it even beyond the five major senses.

Some soil-dwelling bacteria like Streptomyces can be toxic Soil gets its characteristic earthy smell from certain chemicals produced primarily by soil-dwelling bacteria called Streptomyces . But ...

Nothing smells quite like Earth after it's been through the rinse cycle. In fact, rain is such a pleasant smell that perfume-makers, soap makers and scent-purveyors the world over try to recreate it.

Odorous soil smells like trouble Published: May. 27, 2009, 4:45 p.m. By Julie Cirelli-Heurich MIKE STOCKER/MCT ...