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But Opium might work…

Posted by Robin on 4 November 2008 8 Comments

It’s true that if you eat a lot of what’s fondly dubbed the stinking rose, others might notice a faint whiff of eau de garlic in your sweat. But even the pungent bulb can’t mask your natural scent. In fact, scientists from the Monell Center in Philadelphia say that an individual’s scent is impossible to mask through food. They published this research in the online journal Public Library of Science One.

— From Body Odors Individual as Fingerprints, today's 60-Second Science podcast at Scientific American.

Filed Under: perfume in the news
Tagged With: olfaction

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8 Comments

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  1. Anonymous says:
    4 November 2008 at 11:39 am

    Odor print? How interesting!! I ooze garlic out of my pores, and I may have a personal scent, but I usually can't smell myself after eating garlic!

    I've read studies that couples who don't like each other's scent aren't likely to stay together. It has to do with the evolution of the species. The belief is that different gene pools repel each other. It's too much science for my fuzzy brain to break down at the moment…..

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  2. Anonymous says:
    4 November 2008 at 12:16 pm

    I'd love to know if wearing perfume really “messes” with our ability to pick the right genetic mate. I know some people think it does, but this study seems to suggest it might not.

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  3. Anonymous says:
    4 November 2008 at 3:05 pm

    But it might make you stand out among all those who naturally attract your desired mate!

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  4. Anonymous says:
    5 November 2008 at 3:02 pm

    I read (somewhere, don't recall where) that using birth control pills changes one's ability to sniff out the right genetic mate. Women on the pill pick men with similar genetics to their own, rather than different genetics. And, diversity in the gene pool is healthier. Wasn't sure how true that was, but interesting concept that we can “smell” genetics. What might happen if women go off the pill? Get their menfolk to wear cologne morning noon and night?

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  5. Anonymous says:
    5 November 2008 at 3:03 pm

    I think I've heard that too, very interesting.

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  6. Anonymous says:
    13 November 2008 at 2:18 am

    I can tell if a man has a chance with me…he has to dance with me. Chemicals have to click.

    The power of scent is multifaceted. It brings back memories, you can remember if your trying to recreate a scent that you had years ago and loved. It protects us, ie, like smelling if something is burning, telling if the baby needs changed,etc.

    I think we are deeper than people think we are. My sister thinks this is hurting me financially and it's shallow and worthless. But I can shrug, because I've always been sensitive and appreciative of beauty in all things. Perfume to me is art for your and other's noses. I use it for attitude, sensuality,fun, and the expression of what I believe to be, my higher best self-the signature.

    Sensitivity, can bring on disappointment, low self esteem, depression-on and on.

    But it makes me a better poet, intuitive and a good loyal friend because I can empathise with others.

    I have 5 cat's (all rescues). I can't tell from being inside how bad the litter boxes smell. But if gone for a day, I can smell the Oder well.

    My nose apparently acts the same with most light scents; I can't smell it, but others say they can. What does that say about fragrances that still waffle up you nose after a hard day? And if you nose has become acclimated to your scent, what do other's smell?

    happy smelling,

    Becca

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  7. Anonymous says:
    15 November 2008 at 7:11 pm

    I have no idea why I went off on a tangent. I think it was late at night when my slow release painkillers kicked in…if only that were funny(I have pinched nerves from arthritis in my spine).

    I did mean most of what I said even though impassioned, it wasn't all relevant. Sorry Robin and anyone I scared off.

    I've always loved my loved one's natural skin scent, and actually haven't noticed if they have eaten garlic, unless it's on their breath. But I do believe that scent smells different to and on other people because of our individual chemical make up. In fact, intuitively, I'm sure of it.

    I hope my skin print isn't smelly to the science of the future.

    My x told me he liked the way I smelled with-out perfume and visa versa. But I still wore it. He like the heavy orientals and I like the fresh flowers. I think this is most men…sex fiends.

    Joy,

    Becca

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  8. Anonymous says:
    16 November 2008 at 1:15 pm

    Hey, no worries! I think you hit the nose on the head: the chemistry has to click, and dancing is important too :-)

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