Pheromones are a fascinating series of chemicals produced by a whole variety of animals and plants.
有人甚至说它们可以在人类中找到。实际上，您可能遇到了声音素的香水，声称可以做各种事情。
But there’s still a lot to learn about them. Read on for a deep dive into what they are, what they do, and whether they do exist in the human race.
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本质上，信息素是隐藏的交流的形式。
They send signals from one individual to another of the same species. This triggers a response in the individual receiving those signals, such as a hormonal change or specific behavior.
While pheromones have been found in other animal species, scientists still aren’t sure if they exist in humans.
1970年代的研究确实发布发现that so-called pheromones were involved in “周期同步” — the idea that people who live together or spend a lot of time together start to menstruate at the same time.
And since then, research has primarily focused on whether pheromones have an effect on human attraction and reproduction.
但是其中许多研究都受到质疑，described as “weak”by some researchers.
尽管如此，许多人相信it is possiblethat people do have pheromones. But some think that humans may no longer respond to them in the same way as other animals.
在得出任何确定的结论之前，需要更强大的证据。
However, if pheromones were found to exist in humans, it’s likely that every person would have them
Pheromones exist in a variety of animal species, including mammals and insects.
They have beenlinked to functions像吸引伴侣，标记领土，甚至是生物动物与其后代之间的互动。
实际上，第一个信息素was discovered in a type of moth. Later research found these chemical signals in the likes of
So far, pheromones have been categorized into
- 释放器
- Signalers
- 调节器
- 底漆
Short-acting releaser pheromones tend to cause an instant and specific behavioral response, such as being drawn to a potential mate.
信号器的信息素本质上是更社交的，向动物提供了有关其整体健康，近期饮食和层次结构的信息。
Modulator pheromones are even subtler, affecting mood and emotions.
Finally, primer pheromones influence reproductive and developmental systems, such as puberty and menstruation.
Mammals (excluding humans) along with reptiles and amphibians have a tissue that
Humans have a VNO, too. But it被认为是实用的。
这并不意味着人类无法像其他动物一样检测和对信息素做出反应like rabbits and sheep,使用他们的主要嗅觉系统。
But there’s still no hard evidence that humans have pheromones.
研究提出了一些潜在的人类pheromones, such as
Some believethat the most likely human pheromone candidate will be found in the nipple secretions of a lactating parent which
If they do exist in humans, how they function remains a mystery. After all, humans are complicated.
What experts do know from other animals is that responses to pheromones areoften innate并没学。
But certain contexts and experiences, like whether an animal has recently mated, can affect the response.
Two closely related steroids — androstenone and androstadienone — have been the main focus in this area.
They’re thought to have pheromonal effects, according to certain researchers.
Both have been found to have a positive influence on a female’s mood. Androstadienone may also
Again, these studies have faced criticism, namely because人类的性行为很复杂。
进一步的研究甚至产生了冲突的发现，表明这种类固醇对人类吸引力没有影响。
信息素香水实际上可以工作吗？
Despite weak evidence, some companiesdecided to capitalizeon so-called human pheromones, adding them to perfume formulas and claiming that they could boost everything from sexualattractionto libido.
与交配行为有关的分泌物in other species, such as the aforementioned androstenone, often feature.
But the truth is that there is no evidence these products do what they claim. In fact, any effects that do occur could well be by chance.
信息素确实存在于针对狗和猫等动物的其他产品中。但是还有更多证据可以支持这些公式。
For example, diffusers and collars contain
在线，您会发现很多提高信息素水平的技巧定期锻炼产生汗水以将某些补充剂带到increase testosterone。
But since there’s little evidence that humans have pheromones, none of the above is backed by science.
In summary, there’s likely nothing you can do to increase your pheromone levels.
信息素是一个非常有趣的领域。但是目前，证据太虚弱，无法说明人类拥有它们。
即使他们被人分泌，它们的影响也可能与其他动物大不相同。只有时间才能证明科学是否可以发现他们是否确实存在于人中以及他们的功能是什么。
劳伦·沙基（Lauren Sharkey）is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women’s issues. When she isn’t trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her onTwitter。