Subject: How can I find out why running water + knife blade removes onion smell?

  I want to do an experiment for my science project. I know this 
works but I don't know why.  I want to do my own work, but don't know 
where to start.  If you cut an onion with bare hands, holding a knife 
blade between your palms under cold running water removes the smell.  
If you can tell me what this is called or give me some book names to 
find, I will do the rest.  THANKS

Re: How can I find out why running water + knife blade removes onion smell?