Pheromones have been identified in every species from reptiles to insects as sex attractants. Essentially, pheromones are subliminal sex signals. A specific structure situated in the nose's interior known as the VNO (Vomeronasal Organ) senses these invisible and odorless pheromone molecules that are produced through sweat or urine. However, the VNO organ is present in only about 4/5th of the human race. Some scientists have explained that the organ may be redundant because it has been ignored over the centuries. However, some seem to think otherwise.

Pheromone signals that are detected by the organ are sent through specific nerves to the "hypothalamus" - a part of the brain known for its propensity to alter one's hormones, emotions, reproduction and sexual behavior.

Can pheromones make a person more attractive is the question. The answer is - maybe. Researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Utah discovered that pheromones could alter breathing, heart rate, mood, and body temperature; whether or not they can make someone attractive has yet to be found.

The problem is most people wash off naturally occurring odors. They also use cologne and perfumes. However, certain companies (Pherx.com for example) have succeeded in capturing pheromones in a bottle. These companies have established that everyone emits pheromones; some just happen to do so more than others. However they are very minimal and not detectable by women's VMOs.

The pheromones captured in bottles are not that of humans, they are chemically synthesized to imitate human pheromone emissions. Some pheromone manufacturers use naturally occurring pheromones from deer or pigs, but then those would be effective in attracting only that species.