And realize that it is something that you can use to make more informed decisions and have that agency to make those decisions.
So we're saying, you're not going to find your soulmate but you're probably going to go on a better first date.
A little while later, they slid into my inbox the results of my heritage and a text file of my raw genetic data. Anyway, I took the raw genetic data file and submitted it to the DNA Romance website along with my personality typemy gender and my sexual preference. Canada, UK and USA all had heavy representation, whereas there was only one Aussie—a year-old guy from Sydney who had a Japanese manga character as his profile picture.
What Pheramor is actually comparing are 11 genes of the major histocompatibility complex MHCwhich code for proteins on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognize invaders. Researchers hypothesized reasons for this selection ranging from the prevention of inbreeding to promoting offspring with greater diversity of dominant and recessive genes.
But experts caution the science behind matching you with someone who has different immune system genes remains theoretical. Wyatta researcher at Oxford who authored a paper on the search for human pheromones published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society.
In their defense, there are several challenges: There's now a website that does it for you, using your DNA. The theory is that your body produces chemical signals, as determined by your DNA.
When a potential partner detects these signals supposedly by smelling themit creates 'chemistry'—an innate sense of attraction that can't be credited to your height, lack of debt or ability to play bass guitar.
The concept comes at a time when the personalized genetics business is booming.
Pheramor analyzes the spit to identify 11 genes that relate to the immune system.
Some dating services have tried to play off this theory in the past.
However, our ability to smell each other is often confounded by the deodorants, perfumes and colognes we wear.
We live in a golden age of online dating, where complex algorithms and innovative apps promise to pinpoint your perfect romantic match in no time.
And yet, dating remains as tedious and painful as ever.
But what if there was a way to analyze your DNA and match you to your ideal genetic partner—allowing you to cut the line of endless left-swipes and awkward first dates?