Pheromones: Chemical attraction?

You can't see them or feel them, but they may have a huge influence on whom you find attractive. No, they aren't Cupid's invisible henchmen, although their effect might be just as magical. They're pheromones, chemical messengers emitted by one creature to evoke a response in another of the same species.

Pheromones are blends of chemicals and different combinations are thought to send different signals. For decades, scientists have studied them in bugs. A female moth, for example, emits pheromones from a gland on her abdomen. A male moth is aroused by the signal, flies up to 30 miles to find the female, and mates with her. Since 1959, we've synthesized insect pheromones to control pest populations - for example, to confuse males so they can't find the females.

We also know a lot about pheromones in animals. Hamsters need them to recognize other hamsters from their social groups, as well as to choose a mate. Pheromones help determine the pecking order among male elephants, and they enable mother rats to show their offspring what's edible and what's poisonous.

Human pheromones, on the other hand, are the subject of much debate. Their role in human attraction is controversial; there is currently no evidence of a strict response to a human-produced chemical signal.

While scientists sniff away at the legitimacy of human pheromones and their role in sexuality, what should lovelorn singles do? Appearance and personality probably have a greater impact on your chances of attracting and keeping a partner than chemical signals ever will. Even the researchers who study the power of pheromones say that their effects are mediated by psychology and social interaction, so it's probably wise to skip the overhyped perfumes and overhaul your table manners instead.

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