Science

The 500-million-year-old reason behind the unique scent of rain

The 500-million-year-old reason behind the unique scent of rain
We knew the distinctive smell of rain on dry earth was the result of a chemical released by bacteria, but new research helps explain why the bacteria evolved to do this
We knew the distinctive smell of rain on dry earth was the result of a chemical released by bacteria, but new research helps explain why the bacteria evolved to do this
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We knew the distinctive smell of rain on dry earth was the result of a chemical released by bacteria, but new research helps explain why the bacteria evolved to do this
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We knew the distinctive smell of rain on dry earth was the result of a chemical released by bacteria, but new research helps explain why the bacteria evolved to do this

New research from an international team of scientists is suggesting that instantly recognizable earthy smell after rain is released by bacteria trying to attract a particular arthropod as a way to spread its spores. The smell is a 500-million-year-old example of chemical communication, evolved to help a particular type of bacteria spread.

Scientists have long been fascinated by the unique odor that appears when it rains. The scent is particularly prominent when the first rains of a season hit dry soil. Two Australian researchers named the odor petrichor, after an influential study in the 1960s suggested a particular oil is produced by certain plants during dry periods, and then released into the air when it rains.

One major component of petrichor is an organic compound called geosmin. Scientists have known for some time that a common genus of bacteria, known as Streptomyces, produce geosmin. Virtually all species of Streptomyces release geosmin when they die, but until now it has been unclear exactly why the bacteria generates this distinctive aroma.

“The fact that they all make geosmin suggested that it confers a selective advantage on the bacteria, otherwise they wouldn’t do it,” says an author on the new research, Mark Buttner. “So, we suspected they were signaling to something and the most obvious thing would be some animal or insect that might help distribute the Streptomyces spores.”

Across a number of lab and field experiments the researchers discovered geosmin specifically attracts a type of tiny arthropod called a springtail. Studying the antennae of the springtails the researchers discovered the organisms can directly sense geosmin. The researchers suggest both organisms evolved together, the Streptomyces serving as food for the springtails, while the springtails subsequently spread bacterial spores helping seed new Streptomyces colonies.

“There is mutual benefit,” explains Buttner. “The springtails eat the Streptomyces, so the geosmin is attracting them to a valuable food source. And, the springtails distribute the spores, both stuck on their bodies and in their faeces, which are full of viable spores, so the Streptomyces get dispersed. This is analogous to birds eating the fruits of plants. They get food but they also distribute the seeds, which benefits the plants.”

This symbiotic relationship is key to the survival of Streptomyces, as the bacteria is known to produce certain antibiotic compounds that make it toxic to other organisms such as fruit flies or nematodes. Springtails, on the other hand, generate a number of novel enzymes that can detoxify the antibiotics produced by Streptomyces.

This compelling novel discovery suggests a major element to that iconic wet earth scent is underpinned by a nearly 500-million-year-old relationship between bacteria and arthropods, mediated by an extraordinarily specific mode of chemical communication.

“We used to believe Streptomyces spores were distributed by wind and water but there is little room for wind or water to do anything in the small air compartments in the soil,” says Buttner. “So, these small primitive animals have become important in completing the lifecycle of the Streptomyces, one of the most important sources of antibiotics known to science.”

The new study was published in the journal Nature Microbiology.

Source: John Innes Centre

6 comments
6 comments
Nala
THIS IS SO FREAKING COOL. I'M BUZZING.
Norm Balog
Hmmm...

So, in furthering the scientific method of taking all the mystery out of life, we’re now told that “fresh rain” smell we all know and ❤️ love 💕 (so much so we put it in our laundry detergent, fabric softeners and air fresheners) is, In reality (and you gotta read the article) just bacteria farting?

Yeah.
guzmanchinky
I'm smiling just thinking about how good fresh rain smells.
ljaques
Strep crepitations? How COULD they? Nah. I'll continue to think of it as the raindrops cooling all the leaves and the trees breathing out oxygen, while a bit of dust is stirred up by the rain hitting the ground. It sure is a nice smell. Right, Guz?
Peter Flynn
The article describes “spores” of a bacteria several times. How does a single cell organism have spores? Is it really talking about dormant (uneaten?) bacteria distributed by the springtails, or is the a whole other way bacteria grow other then by cell division? Spor3s are a fungus thing aren’t they?
Solar Bozo
Peter Flynn: https://www.bode-science-center.com/center/hygiene-measures/spore-forming-bacteria.html