In a study by olfaction scientists, the results showed that people with similarities in body odors formed personal connections more easily. Preceding the study, many researchers questioned if olfactory nerves were registering molecular information into an individual’s brain, resulting in the decision to form a friendship.
In a small sample study published on June 22nd in the journal Science Advances, researchers found that pairs of friends who “clicked” upon meeting had many similarities in body odor, a margin much larger than one expected by chance. This correlation was constant through another experiment, in which pairs of strangers played games together. Yet again, body odors were used to predict whether the two would have a good connection. Those with large differences in body odor had a less positive experience playing games, whereas those with fewer differences had a better time.
In another olfactory-based study published by the Weizmaan Institute of Science in Israel, graduate student Inbal Raverby explored whether swift friendships had an olfactory component. During her experiment, twenty pairs of “click” friends were put through a strict regimen, including a ban on foods such as garlic and onions, bathing using unscented soap, and wearing only lab-provided T-shirts. Such measures were implemented to get a “clean” reading on one’s scent. Afterwards, Raverby and her colleagues assessed the smells present on the T-shirts. The results found that the pairs of friends had much more similar odors as compared to strangers in the experiment.
Despite many advancements in examining human olfaction and behaviors associated with it, there are still many mysteries for researchers. Many researchers believe that odors play the same role for humans as they do for other mammals, which places a much higher importance on smell in making decisions. Although under looked, smells can be seen to have a strong correlation with positive relationships forming between two individuals.
In a small sample study published on June 22nd in the journal Science Advances, researchers found that pairs of friends who “clicked” upon meeting had many similarities in body odor, a margin much larger than one expected by chance. This correlation was constant through another experiment, in which pairs of strangers played games together. Yet again, body odors were used to predict whether the two would have a good connection. Those with large differences in body odor had a less positive experience playing games, whereas those with fewer differences had a better time.
In another olfactory-based study published by the Weizmaan Institute of Science in Israel, graduate student Inbal Raverby explored whether swift friendships had an olfactory component. During her experiment, twenty pairs of “click” friends were put through a strict regimen, including a ban on foods such as garlic and onions, bathing using unscented soap, and wearing only lab-provided T-shirts. Such measures were implemented to get a “clean” reading on one’s scent. Afterwards, Raverby and her colleagues assessed the smells present on the T-shirts. The results found that the pairs of friends had much more similar odors as compared to strangers in the experiment.
Despite many advancements in examining human olfaction and behaviors associated with it, there are still many mysteries for researchers. Many researchers believe that odors play the same role for humans as they do for other mammals, which places a much higher importance on smell in making decisions. Although under looked, smells can be seen to have a strong correlation with positive relationships forming between two individuals.
