1. EQ: What affect do pheromones have on the human body?

2. Pheromones Pheromones are not smells
Pheromones are chemical signals sent from one animal to another

3. Pheromones
Pheromones either induce a behavior in another animal or cause some physiological change
Very common in insects...not so common in mammals...unclear role in humans

4. Pheromones
In humans, it is secreted into circulation by the adrenal gland through sweat, urine, and saliva.

5. Fun Facts about Pheromones
For example: Alpha Androstenol, found in male pig saliva, causes a female pig to allow the male to mate with her
In humans, it is secreted into circulation by the adrenal gland through sweat, urine, and saliva.

6. Fun Facts about Pheromones
Alpha androstenol is also found in the sweat of human males!
Does alpha androstenol (or pheromones in general) affect humans?
Design an (ethical) experiment…

7. Fun Facts about Pheromones
Kirk-Smith & Booth (1980) sprayed some of the seats in a dentist’s waiting room with alpha androstenol
Compared to a control condition, more women used the alpha androstenol seat

8. Fun Facts about Pheromones
Fewer men used the alpha androstenol seat !

9. Pheromones Other possible ways in which pheromones influence humans:
synchronization of menstrual cycles
mate selection - attraction to opposite major histocompatibility complex

10. Pheromones Pheromones do not control behavior!
Human behavior is largely under top-down influences, but may be affected subtly by pheromones