| February 10, 2017

The search for human pheromones (video)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2017 — Molecules known as pheromones are a potent form of chemical communication in the animal kingdom, able to convey a creature’s gender, fertility and more with scent alone. Scientists have sought to determine if humans’ body odor also contains pheromones. Although our armpits do emit a few potential candidates, no clear human pheromone has yet been found. But that hasn’t stopped internet dealers from peddling fragrances they claim to be loaded with pheromones that could make users irresistible. The latest episode of Speaking of Chemistry examines the quest for human pheromones, and what’s really in those sketchy “pheromone” colognes: https://youtu.be/DzOtKwRCOn0.

Youtube ID: DzOtKwRCOn0

Speaking of Chemistry is a production of Chemical & Engineering News, a weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society. It’s the series that keeps you up to date with the important and fascinating chemistry shaping the world around you. Subscribe to the series at http://bit.ly/ACSReactions, and follow us on Twitter @CENMag.

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