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Research
in my laboratory focuses upon the nature and origin of human odors,
particularly those from the underarm (axillae) and the oral cavity.
We have identified the structures of many human axillary odorants,
demonstrated the presence of human primer and modulator pheromones
in the axillary secretions and have used our knowledge of body chemistry
to diagnose disease and the time of optimum fertility in females.
We are pursuing the structures of the active pheromone constituents
via a bioassay-guided isolation procedure as well as employing gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to generate metabolic profiles
(“metabolomics”) of human urine, skin and axillary secretions
to identify biomarkers of disease, individual identity
and stress. In addition we study the amelioration of malodors from
humans with the odor producing metabolic disease, Trimethylaminuria,
as well as from agricultural and environmental activities via cross-adaptation,
odor absorption and anti-microbial agents.
My Monell Publications |