
Mark J. Terrill / AP
Scott Yacyshyn, left, talks with Tegan Artho-Bentz as she smells a shirt during a pheromone party, June 15, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Mark J. Terrill / AP
Partygoers reach for bagged shirts.
The parties started out as an experimental matchmaking fest by a woman weary of online dating, but it turns out they also have a root in science. Researchers have shown that humans can use scent to sort out genetic combinations that could lead to weaker offspring.
Several dozen people attended a recent party in Los Angeles, though many chuckled at the idea of finding a match in a smelly T-shirt.
Find a pheromone party near you.

Mark J. Terrill / AP
Tegan Artho-Bentz reacts after smelling a shirt during a pheromone party.

Mark J. Terrill / AP
A partygoer who gave his name only as Scott, left, meets Martina Desalvo during a pheromone party.