Sniffing out secrets of pungent fruit's puzzle

WASHINGTON - Scientists have answered one of nature's most pungent questions: What gives the world's smelliest fruit its distinctive aroma.

Popular in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, durian is banned on public transport and many hotels. The thorn-covered fruit, yellow-green in color, can grow to the size of a rugby ball.

Scientists from Singapore, Malaysia and China's Hong Kong said on Monday they have mapped the genome of the durian, known throughout Southeast Asia as the "king of fruits" for its unique smell, flavor and formidable spiny appearance.