This week, PNAS reports on a new method to study small molecule metabolites in C. elegans, especially how they might interact synergistically. Using a NMR-spectroscopic method, differential analysis by 2D NMR spectroscopy (DANS), they were able to compare wild-type C. elegans and a mutant lacking pheromone signaling genes to identify both known and unknown ascarosides – in variable concentrations, these molecules can be both sex pheromones and developmental regulators.