"Odorant-Based HDAC Inhibitors: A Potential Breakthrough in Cancer and Neurological Disease Treatment"

New research suggests that odors from ripening fruits or fermented foods can lead to changes in gene expression in cells beyond the nose, raising the possibility of using volatile compounds to treat cancer or slow neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that exposure to diacetyl vapors halted the growth of cancer cells and slowed neurodegeneration in flies, but potential health risks and the need for further research on the mechanisms and long-term consequences of such exposure remain. The findings also have potential implications for agriculture, as plants also respond to volatile chemicals in the air.