jvkohl
12-05-2004, 07:01 PM
European Journal of
Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03012115
Review
Human pheromones and
sexual attraction
Karl Grammer, Bernhard Fink, and Nick Neave
Ludwig–Boltzmann-Institute for Urban
Ethology, c/o Institute of
Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Human
Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 8ST, UK.
Abstract
Olfactory communication is very common amongst animals, and since the discovery
of an accessory olfactory system in humans, possible human olfactory communication has gained considerable
scientific interest. The importance of the human sense of smell has by far been underestimated in the past. Humans
and other primates have been regarded as primarily `optical animals' with highly developed powers of vision but a
relatively undeveloped sense of smell. In recent years this assumption has undergone major revision. Several studies
indicate that humans indeed seem to use olfactory communication and are even able to produce and perceive certain
pheromones; recent studies have found that pheromones may play an important role in the behavioural and reproduction
biology of humans. In this article we review the present evidence of the effect of human pheromones and discuss the
role of olfactory cues in human sexual behaviour.
Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03012115
Review
Human pheromones and
sexual attraction
Karl Grammer, Bernhard Fink, and Nick Neave
Ludwig–Boltzmann-Institute for Urban
Ethology, c/o Institute of
Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Human
Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 8ST, UK.
Abstract
Olfactory communication is very common amongst animals, and since the discovery
of an accessory olfactory system in humans, possible human olfactory communication has gained considerable
scientific interest. The importance of the human sense of smell has by far been underestimated in the past. Humans
and other primates have been regarded as primarily `optical animals' with highly developed powers of vision but a
relatively undeveloped sense of smell. In recent years this assumption has undergone major revision. Several studies
indicate that humans indeed seem to use olfactory communication and are even able to produce and perceive certain
pheromones; recent studies have found that pheromones may play an important role in the behavioural and reproduction
biology of humans. In this article we review the present evidence of the effect of human pheromones and discuss the
role of olfactory cues in human sexual behaviour.