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A few well-controlled scientific studies have been published demonstrating the possibility of pheromones in humans. The best-studied case involves the synchronization of menstrual cycles among women based on unconscious odor cues. This study states that there are two types of pheromone involved: One of them is produced prior to ovulation and shortens the ovarian cycle, and the second, is produced just at ovulation and lengthens the cycle. This is analogous to the Whitten effect, a male pheromone mediated modulation of estrus observed in mice. Other studies have suggested that people might be using odor cues associated with the immune system to select mates who are not closely related to themselves. In 2006 it was shown that a second mouse receptor sub-class is found in the olfactory epithelium. Called the trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR), some are activated by volatile compounds found in mouse urine, including one putative pheromone. Orthologous receptors exist in humans providing, the authors propose, evidence for a mechanism of human pheromone detection.

Human pheromones are postulated to be produced by the apocrine glands. The apocrine glands become functional after reaching puberty which, it is hypothesized, could contribute to people developing a sexual attraction for others at that time. Actually pheromone detection has also been proposed to be the reason why a person can sense “chemistry”, or feel an instant attraction or dislike when first meeting someone. Using a brain imaging technique, researchers have shown that homosexual and heterosexual men respond differently to two odours that may be involved in sexual arousal. In addition, the gay men respond in the same way as women. This research suggests a possible role for human pheromones in the biological basis of sexual orientation.

In future the popularity of pheromones is inevitable. This thought is dictated by the researches of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia who has found that exposure to male perspiration has marked psychological and physiological effects on women. That exposure can brighten women’s moods, reducing tension and increasing relaxation, and also has a direct effect on the release of luteinizing hormone, which affects the length and timing of the menstrual cycle.

The popularity of pheromones is proved in one other way. Nowadays we have enough literature and movies which tell us about the power of pheromones and even the pheromones are the main subject in these works of art. Pheromones are very popular device in fiction. We know the novel Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins, the television series The Agency, where in an episode pheromones were mentioned. In the Star Trek universe we see female Orions who obtain the power of pheromones and not even a single man can resist their will to seduce him. Once again in the television series Red Dwarf one of the main actors Dave Lister possesses a sexual magnetism serum. We know what can provoke other attentions – the pheromones. In the very popular movie X-man we see woman called Stacy X who could control sexual pheromones. This character is some kind of the goddess of pheromones.

In Patrick Suskind’s novel Perfume which I really like and the book is so vigorous and full of meanings that there are few which can compete with it. The main character in the novel had no scent – or pheromones. He has the power to walk amongst a crowd seemingly unnoticed. The only gift he had was the talent to recognize the smell of everything you can imagine. He became a perfumer and when he recreated the scent of a most desirable lady, the result was fantastic. Everybody in the street was part of a mass orgy. Madeleine L’Engle’s book Dragons in the Waters also mentions pheromones.

Another popular movie like Batman&Robin also mentioned the existence of a pheromone extract. The “owner” is Uma Thurman’s character named Poison Ivy. She uses a pheromone extract to manipulate and disarm men into a false sense of love. Next to Batman&Robin is the science fiction horror Predator 2 where a team of scientists are trying to capture an alien from another planet. The stars of the movie are Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon) and Gary Busey (The girl next door). The basic moment is that the alien camouflages itself by shifting its mass into a part of the spectrum that humans can’t see. The only way to trace and catch the alien is to find a technology that captures the aliens’, so called pheromone signature.

In the end our article if you ask yourselves why you need to use pheromones, why you feel need to be wanted and worshiped by other people, don’t even try to blame yourself. As a human every man on earth wants to have a soul mate. A friend, who can understand and give him or her a piece of advice. People are born not to feel loneliness but connection with others. Our sensitivity is so strong and so captious. We want other’s attention because we can’t be alone. In fact, we can give love and tenderness which have to be taken by somebody. Otherwise we feel empty and misunderstood.