Sexing up the Human Pheromone Story: How a Corporation Started a Scientific Myth

Introduction

• The belief in human sex pheromones, particularly androstadienone (a male molecule), is popular.
• This belief is widely accepted due to numerous studies and books treating these pheromones as factual.
• Tristram Wyatt, a zoologist, explains how this belief may not be as scientifically grounded as perceived.

The Genesis of the Pheromone Myth

• 1991 Paris Conference: Sponsored by EROX, a U.S. corporation with an interest in patenting androstadienone and estratetraenol (a female molecule).
• Leading scientists unintentionally lent credibility to the conference.
• A paper presented lacked essential details on the extraction and testing of these molecules.
• EROX was the supplier of these putative pheromones.

The Role of Martha McClintock

• In 2000, Martha McClintock, a notable scientist, endorsed these molecules, reporting effects on mood.
• Her endorsement added respectability, leading to increased research and publications on human pheromones.

Issues with Research and Publications

• Many subsequent studies may suffer from false positives, publication bias, and lack of replication.
• An "echo chamber" effect may exist, where referees have no reason to question the shared premise of these molecules being pheromones.
• A 2014 study hyped the influence of these molecules on gender assessment, furthering the myth.

Human Smells vs. Pheromones

• Pheromones are species-wide signals, not individual odors.
• Individual odors contribute to personal scent, aiding in recognizing family members or potential mates.
• Events like pheromone parties mislabel individual scents as pheromones.

Do Humans Have Pheromones?

• Possibly, but rigorous research is required similar to that used for other mammals.
• As seen in goats, specific pheromones can be identified through meticulous narrowing down of potential molecules.

Future Directions: Mothers and Babies

• Current research focuses on sex pheromones, but mother-baby pheromone communication may be a more promising area.
• A study suggests nipple secretion may stimulate suckling in babies, indicating a possible species-wide pheromone.

Conclusion

• More rigorous study is needed to conclusively identify human pheromones.
• Future findings could change perceptions about pheromones, including in romantic contexts like Valentine's Day.

About the Author

• Dr. Tristram Wyatt: Zoologist at Oxford University, author of "Pheromones and Animal Behavior." His work emphasizes returning to first principles in pheromone research.

Implications for Journalism

• Highlights the importance of independent journalism in questioning established myths.
• The Guardian, funded by readers, aims to remain unbiased and report truthfully without bowing to political pressures.

References

• Wyatt, T.D. (2015). The search for human pheromones: the lost decades and the necessity of returning to first principles. Proc. R. Soc. B. DOI link