Have you ever wondered why your previous relationships never worked out? You probably thought he smelled funny. Previous studies have shown that the genes in the the Major histocompatible complex (MHC) can influence specific odours and that women usually prefer the odour of different MHC males most likely to increase offspring heterozygosity or reduce inbreeding. Pretty much that human attraction is influenced by smell.
In 1995, Claus Wedekind at the University of Bern in Switzerland devised his infamous "sweaty T-shirt" experiment, in which he asked women to sniff the T-shirts of similarly aged men and rate their body odours. He found that women preferred the scent of men who had immune systems dissimilar to their own, as measured by genes for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which is involved in displaying antigens to immune cells.Other studies have found that men also prefer women with dissimilar MHC genes, more specifically known as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes in humans.
This is what a company in Florida called ScientificMatch is basing their clients results on by using scent-related aspects of their DNA profiles to see how compatible they are with their partner. The company promises to a better sex life,more orgasms, a lower risk of adultery, greater fertility and healthier children by setting you up with your biological match rather than someone you like.
Although MHC can influence your partner choice other factors such as passion and love can also make up for the biological differences. Some couples who aren't necessarily genetically compatible can also have a passion for like hobbies or just a common interest that could bind them together. While genetic tests can't tell you everything you want to know, they are clearly more useful then usual, boring personality surveys. The company states they are just offering as much scientific data available.
Source: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/275/1652/2715.full.pdf+html?sid=b90fb54e-911d-41b5-9520-42241d8de780
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026873.600-dna-dating-can-genes-help-you-pick-a-mate.html?full=true
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