Cut grass odour eases aggression: research

5 Feb 2013, 2:55 pm   -   Source: AAP

The chemical make-up of pleasant odours such as freshly-cut grass can ease aggression by altering gene expression in the brain, a neuroscientist says.

Feeling cranky?

Fire up the mower, hack into that overgrown lawn, then take a whiff - that sweet aroma of freshly cut grass might just calm you down.

Neuroscientist Dr Judith Reinhard says the chemistry in pleasant odours - such as newly cropped grass - is so powerful, their scents can alter gene expression in the brain and reduce aggression.

Dr Reinhard's team at the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland is working to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the phenomenon of aromatherapy, which has long been used to calm the nerves and sharpen the mind.

The researchers have so far discovered aggression in honey bees can be reduced by exposing them to pleasant odours, such as the smell of freshly cut grass.

"Honey bees are an excellent model because just like humans, they are extremely social and prone to stress, which makes them aggressive," Dr Reinhard said.

"Bees exposed to the odour of cut grass actually have altered gene expression levels in their brains, providing new clues as to the neural basis for aggression."

Dr Reinhard says while it's too early to speculate on the potential applications for odours in treating mental illness, her researchers have found men report feeling calmer and more relaxed after mowing the lawn - and not just because they're satisfied with a job well done.

She will speak at the Australian Neuroscience Society's 2013 annual meeting in Melbourne this week, where 1100 neuroscientists from around the world have gathered to share their latest findings.

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