ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Putrescine

Okay, so putrescine is a kind of molecule that is made up of different atoms. It's named after the Latin word "putrescere," which means "to rot."

Putrescine is found naturally in some things, like plants and animals. It's even found in things we eat, like cheese, fish, and soy sauce. But when things start to decay or go bad, putrescine can form as well.

Now, putrescine doesn't smell very good, and that's because it's often produced by bacteria when things start to rot. That's why you might notice a stinky odor coming from some old food or garbage.

Scientists also study putrescine because it's been linked to different diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. So even though putrescine might seem like just a smelly molecule, it's actually pretty important to understand how it affects our bodies.