Canadian scientists discover alternative to whale vomit for perfumers

A product from fir trees and yeast may soon replace ambergris, a kind of whale barf, to make expensive perfume, scientists said Thursday.

For centuries, perfume makers have prized ambergris for its ability to prevent scent from dissipating.

The wax-like substance is secreted by sperm whales to protect their digestive systems from sharp objects. When the animals vomit, the ambergis reacts with salty ocean water and eventually washes ashore in chunks that can look like rocks.