Delicate magnolia-jasmine scent activates human pheromone receptor

The question if humans can communicate via pheromones in the same way as animals is under debate. Cell physiologists have demonstrated that the odorous substance Hedione activates the putative pheromone receptor VN1R1, which occurs in the human olfactory epithelium. Researchers showed that the scent of Hedione generates sex-specific activation patterns in the brain, which do not occur with traditional fragrances.