{
  "id": 6336398,
  "title": "Why does microwaving fish smell so bad?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/why-does-microwaving-fish-smell-so-bad-6336398",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-08T22:00:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-microwaving-fish-bad.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microwaving fish often results in an unpleasant smell due to chemical reactions triggered by the microwave's heat. Fish contains a compound called trimethylamine oxide, which can break down into trimethylamine—a highly volatile and smelly gas. This smell is intensified when bacteria in the fish convert trimethylamine oxide into trimethylamine, resulting in the characteristic fishy odor. Bacteria thrive in fish after purchase, further contributing to the smell even before it's microwaved. Cooking methods that involve higher temperatures, such as frying, tend to produce more of these smelly compounds. Microwave ovens, on the other hand, heat polar molecules like water and salts, which can lead to uneven heating and create localized high temperatures. These temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of fats and proteins in the fish, generating additional odor-causing compounds. The steam produced during this process can rapidly disperse these volatile compounds, especially in poorly ventilated areas like break rooms, making the smell even more noticeable.",
  "summary": "The work break room can be a place of rest, gossip, fun or recovery. But it can also be a cause for complaint when yesterday's fish dinner becomes a smelly microwaved lunch. For most people, microwaving fish at work is a big no-no. It has even led to armed confrontations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation AU",
        "title": "Why does microwaving fish smell so bad?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/why-does-microwaving-fish-smell-so-bad",
        "published": "2026-09-08T00:21:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}