Proc Biol Sci June 1995 PMID 7630893

MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans.

C Wedekind, T Seebeck, F Bettens, A J Paepke

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Mentions

234
Peak: 6 in Feb 2025
across 6 sources since Apr 2019

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6,985,318
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3,287

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Apr 2019 – Nov 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several posts highlight key aspects of the research, including comments like 'If he smells better than anyone you've ever known, he's the one,' which underscores the study's emphasis on the importance of scent and genetics in attraction. Phrasing such as 'this study grosses me out' and 'it's pure genetics' reveals varying reactions to the implications of underlying biological factors in romantic preferences, showcasing the lively debate and intrigue surrounding the topic.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many discussions reflect a consensus on the findings regarding MHC-dependent mate preferences, indicating a positive reception of the publication's conclusions.

InterestHigh interest

The majority of posts express curiosity about the relationship between genetics and attraction, showing high engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

While some posts are casual, several users delve into specifics of the research context and implications, indicating varied engagement levels.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions imply that the publication has a substantial influence on current understandings of human attraction and mate selection.

Abstract in brief

  • Sexual reproduction allows humans to quickly adapt to coevolving threats, like parasites, by providing offspring with favorable allele combinations from their parents.
  • The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) affects body odors and preferences in mate selection, with women preferring scents from men who have different MHC profiles than themselves.
  • This preference is altered by hormonal factors, particularly oral contraceptives, which can change how women perceive the attractiveness of male body odors.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Adam Strandberg
@strandbergbio · X

ran into "MHC compatibility determines mate preference via smell" in the wild and it hit me in the face that the result was probably bullshit, so i looked up the original paper and hoo boy https://t.co/60VaylCNqI https://t.co/pO4b2GBZzV

Sep 24, 2020 · 28 likes · 4 shares · 5,631 followers View post →
ssaninvoker 13
@ssaninvoker · X

@WEchoes14067 @100tiful @tanyarlfes Wedekind, C., et al. (1995). MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Lieberman, D., Tooby, J., & Cosmides, L. (2003). Does incest avoidance arise from the Westermarck effect? Evolution and Human Behavior.

May 10, 2025 · 25 likes · 2 shares · 10 followers View post →
Cletus Van Damme
@Callicleez · X

https://t.co/MDc4IwM8nW https://t.co/IXDTKbSHn0

Nov 12, 2023 · 22 likes · 2 shares · 4,023 followers View post →
sunahocamyoktunuz?
@smutlubm · X

Çalışmanın orijinalini buraya bırakıyorum. Terli tişört testi ile aşkın bilimine merak duyanlara... https://t.co/idMIsTzGRN https://t.co/yCkdV1dhX8

Apr 4, 2020 · 14 likes · 1 share · 20,158 followers View post →
Cliona O'Farrelly
@ClionaOfarrelly · X

‘in a shopping mall in Penang. Has someone finally found a way to commercialise Claus Wedekind’s intriguing T shirt data? Wedekind C, Seebeck T, Bettens F, Paepke AJ. MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proc Biol Sci. 1995;260(1359):245–249. doi:10.1098/rspb.1995.0087 https://t.co/NfI1lFjwl0

Dec 1, 2019 · 10 likes · 2,904 followers View post →
lisaelsewhere
@lisaelsewhere · X

@bronzeageshawty If he smells better than anyone you've ever known, he's the one.

Aug 31, 2025 · 5 likes · 2,229 followers View post →

All mentions

Grok
@grok · X

@jacobinoxx @bakhsh_reda دراسة ويديكيند 1995 (MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans) شملت 44 رجلاً يرتدون قمصاناً لليلتين دون مزيل عرق. 49 امرأة قيمن روائح 6 قمصان لكل واحدة. وجدن الروائح أكثر جاذبية من رجال بجينات MHC مختلفة، لكن هذا انعكس لدى مستخدمات حبوب منع الحمل. الروائح المختلفة ذكرتهن بشركاء

Oct 4, 2025 · 2 likes · 6,453,814 followers View post →
lisaelsewhere
@lisaelsewhere · X

@bronzeageshawty If he smells better than anyone you've ever known, he's the one.

Aug 31, 2025 · 5 likes · 2,229 followers View post →
Abdullah Reha Nazlı
@reha37 · X

@minoscaletta https://t.co/6Llcz3EWSt

Jul 16, 2025 · 3 likes · 71,229 followers View post →
Au-198
@augustollc · X

@wil_da_beast630 Yes, that's why women are intuitively attracted to men whose MCH is different from theirs. That's one of the rare cases of disassortative mating in humans. Other than that, humans are pretty homophilic. https://t.co/cTOJmX6yU1

Jun 21, 2025 · 30 followers View post →
Pupp bljr dlu
@ppypoop · X

RT @ssaninvoker: @WEchoes14067 @100tiful @tanyarlfes Wedekind, C., et al. (1995). MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proceedings of…

May 11, 2025 · 2 shares · 186 followers View post →
ssaninvoker 13
@ssaninvoker · X

@WEchoes14067 @100tiful @tanyarlfes Wedekind, C., et al. (1995). MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Lieberman, D., Tooby, J., & Cosmides, L. (2003). Does incest avoidance arise from the Westermarck effect? Evolution and Human Behavior.

May 10, 2025 · 25 likes · 2 shares · 10 followers View post →
Stephan
@Sevens_2 · X

@clairlemon Note the other recently popular thing, distortion by the pill: https://t.co/6bdvngcj5k

May 10, 2025 · 482 followers View post →
kourosh
@kourosh15915126 · X

RT @BerryRazi: @tipsy_kart @JedediahBila It’s pure genetics. Learn about major histocompatibility complex. Wedekind C, Seebeck T, Bette…

Apr 17, 2025 · 2 shares · 4,014 followers View post →
Razi Ann Berry
@BerryRazi · X

RT @BerryRazi: @tipsy_kart @JedediahBila It’s pure genetics. Learn about major histocompatibility complex. Wedekind C, Seebeck T, Bette…

Apr 17, 2025 · 2 shares · 134,156 followers View post →
Razi Ann Berry
@BerryRazi · X

@tipsy_kart @JedediahBila It’s pure genetics. Learn about major histocompatibility complex. Wedekind C, Seebeck T, Bettens F, Paepke AJ. MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proc Biol Sci. 1995;260(1359):245-249. Havlíček J, Roberts SC. MHC-correlated mate choice in humans: A review.

Apr 17, 2025 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 134,156 followers View post →
POWDER (SAGE’S JESTER)
@ENGARDIAN4EVER · X

@zoxtrox2 It’s really interesting to read about actually https://t.co/4Yzl4ksnfH https://t.co/QmjB2CssAT https://t.co/601toZ3H5A

Apr 1, 2025 · 4 likes · 291 followers View post →
Yozarian22
@Yozarian22 · X

@langofmind The ancients understood that real love isn't based on compatible personalities. Humanity only recently rediscovering this https://t.co/16Qv5cv488

Mar 27, 2025 · 1 like · 471 followers View post →
Jocko
@jocko57201 · X

@BigToofedBlonde You are absolutely correct. But it might not be based on their hygiene or cologne. This study grosses me out by the way. https://t.co/eY73c34uvx

Feb 26, 2025 · 1 like · 125 followers View post →
Not Ur Business
@NotUrBusinessOG · X

RT @fuzzylionpaws: @RealLTCRicBosi Here is the actual study: https://t.co/g1aRfyekHI

Feb 14, 2025 · 2 shares · 235 followers View post →
Toolio
@ThumpyBrewster · X

RT @fuzzylionpaws: @RealLTCRicBosi Here is the actual study: https://t.co/g1aRfyekHI

Feb 14, 2025 · 2 shares · 250 followers View post →
Ben D Weiss
@fuzzylionpaws · X

@RealLTCRicBosi Here is the actual study: https://t.co/g1aRfyekHI

Feb 14, 2025 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 766 followers View post →
Keem
@CarlosBoutThat · X

@rltygrfx @Coryjr73 @DaddysandtheBoy @vasantbhatt14 Was called "MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans" (Wedekind et al., 1995)

Feb 10, 2025 · 68 followers View post →
Therem Harth Rem ir Estraven
@Ramit83368706 · X

@DrAllyLouks This is not related to sexuality - but there's studies on how attraction is influenced by a set of immune genes a person has and is mediated by smell - https://t.co/hzmmS83KJj

Jan 1, 2025 · 119 followers View post →
The Benefactor
@BenefactrChurch · X

@gnomishchampion @BadMedicalTakes Here's one study: https://t.co/lGVh6zYJD5

Dec 14, 2024 · 1 like · 741 followers View post →
Hektor Läderach
@HektorLaderach · X

@WallStreetMav I asked Grok, what does he know about the sweaty t-shirt study from Wedekind et al in 1995. Makes complete sense!

Dec 8, 2024 · 1 like · 368 followers View post →
prosopocoilusun
@prosopocoilusun · X

女性はMHC (主要組織適合性複合体)が異なる男性の体臭を選り好んだ。MHCと関連する選り好みは、近親交配や流産のリスクを低減する可能性がある。 ---- Wedekind et al. (1995) MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 260:245―249 https://t.co/5E72igj4N4

Dec 5, 2024 · 543 followers View post →
アイン・ソフ ∞
@EVA_Ain_Soph_00 · X

@514sanmyak33985 @seelebiglove あったよ https://t.co/wNkWMNncmx

Oct 24, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 3,301 followers View post →
いかすみ
@ikasmy · X

わがままだ、みたいな批判受けてるけど「相手の匂い」は深刻で決定的な問題である蓋然性がある。 「パートナーを選ぶ際にHLA型の遠い遺伝子を持つ人の体臭を、より好む」という研究がある。 これによれば父親の体臭を娘が強く忌避するメカニズムが遺伝学的に説明可能になる。 https://t.co/sGtEATNd3A https://t.co/1cUTJ4DFkV

Sep 26, 2024 · 1 share · 211 followers View post →
Circe’s Lover
@CirceLover · X

@Nani_Matlatse @AlpacaAurelius https://t.co/9xt7SxbJ7Z

Sep 4, 2024 · 1,155 followers View post →
Nico
@Nicolas93793927 · X

https://t.co/Wml12vVubS https://t.co/vRRRCe1AOa

Jun 3, 2024 · 138 followers View post →
Graviton Denier
@jugram51036 · X

RT @Callicleez: https://t.co/MDc4IwM8nW https://t.co/IXDTKbSHn0

Nov 13, 2023 · 2 shares · 1,253 followers View post →
JK Fresco
@FrescoJk · X

RT @Callicleez: https://t.co/MDc4IwM8nW https://t.co/IXDTKbSHn0

Nov 12, 2023 · 2 shares · 913 followers View post →
Cletus Van Damme
@Callicleez · X

https://t.co/MDc4IwM8nW https://t.co/IXDTKbSHn0

Nov 12, 2023 · 22 likes · 2 shares · 4,023 followers View post →
Michael J South
@renegademormon · X

@zeethbear @_Bee_Leaver_ @gfyshugs @LibertyLockPod This seems to be why. https://t.co/gT6ZbRzymS

Sep 17, 2023 · 1 like · 1,623 followers View post →
Michael J South
@renegademormon · X

@gfyshugs @zeethbear @LibertyLockPod This is a thing. People have talked about having a long term relationship, then going off BC and suddenly can’t stand to be around them. This is a possible culprit. https://t.co/gT6ZbRzymS

Sep 17, 2023 · 1 like · 1,623 followers View post →
Michael J South
@renegademormon · X

@_Bee_Leaver_ @gfyshugs @zeethbear @LibertyLockPod https://t.co/gT6ZbRzymS

Sep 17, 2023 · 1,623 followers View post →
Mustafa GÜNEŞ
@bashreks · X

Kaynakça https://t.co/x1gVMZC9Rx https://t.co/gsiDUc6L8a https://t.co/zDUftrHf7Q https://t.co/2I99DCQSDG

Jun 1, 2023 · 613 followers View post →
めぐ
@totetotecoin · X

例えばこの研究では、MHC遺伝子の異なる男性の体臭を女性が評価し、MHC遺伝子が異なる男性の体臭が魅力的に感じられるみたいなこと書いてる MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans C Wedekind et al. Proc Biol Sci. 1995.

May 27, 2023 · 207 followers View post →
らいとべる
@romitagari · X

https://t.co/iDcniyxnmF その実験が行われたとされている論文を教えてくれないか といって、いろいろ調べた結果こいつがヒットした https://t.co/93KA0K8REo これより新しい根拠とされる論文があったら教えてほしい 実験設定等あんまりわかんないから困るな

May 26, 2023 · 327 followers View post →
microbesNG
@microbesNG · X

#Microbes get in on the dating game! A study asked students to rate attraction by sniffing dirty t-shirts

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 like · 2,042 followers View post →
Matan Arbel-Groissman
@ArbleMatan · X

@mbn_18 https://t.co/ZeJFciJtsi

Dec 17, 2022 · 1 like · 6,918 followers View post →
Matan Arbel-Groissman
@ArbleMatan · X

@mbn_18 קישור לשני המאמרים היחידים שמצאתי. הם יחסית ישנים ולא מאוד חזקים מחקרית. מאז לא נעשה שום דבר (שאני מצאתי). חלק מזה בגלל שאנחנו מבינים ממש גרוע את חוש הריח וגם המערכת החיסונית מורכבת מוגזם. https://t.co/weOTdECitM https://t.co/e7l3Y56HUN

Dec 17, 2022 · 1 like · 6,918 followers View post →
Matan Arbel-Groissman
@ArbleMatan · X

@__Good_Witch__ אפשר לומר שאין עדיין מספיק ראיות חותכות, ושצריך עוד מחקר רציני כדי להוכיח את זה בוודאות, אבל זה לא פסאודו מדע. https://t.co/RZ1ei6ejOx

Dec 17, 2022 · 6,918 followers View post →
Jose
@ahi_hay_alguien · X

RT @SixandLaura: “MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans” 6/22/1995 #pheromones #coevolution #genetic_diversity #reproductive_health #i…

Nov 19, 2022 · 1 share · 519 followers View post →
Laura
@SixandLaura · X

“MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans” 6/22/1995 #pheromones #coevolution #genetic_diversity #reproductive_health #immune_system #major_histocompatibility_complex #host_parasite #olfactory #1990s https://t.co/5wgOlVRdqG https://t.co/eDVcqSoitY

Nov 19, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 3,027 followers View post →
Musashi
@FrogMusashi · X

@datepsych Perhaps related to this one https://t.co/z9Wb6KYK0x

Nov 18, 2022 · 1 like · 201 followers View post →
Sheep⁰
@sheepIeaf · X

@goIdenduos It's basically people who have different immunity genes to themselves https://t.co/bpIVxcxC7A

Oct 24, 2022 · 1 like · 666 followers View post →
@GeorgeFejer@fediscience.org
@GeorgeFejer · X

@BignaLen @UniKonstanz Nice, I am loving the smengine :) It reminds me of some early experiments on smell, attraction, and immune-system (MHC-proteins) where they asked participants to rate the pleasantness of sweaty armpits and t-shirts :) https://t.co/sof9ktz8cl

Mar 15, 2022 · 1 like · 455 followers View post →
Benjamin Woosley
@Empact · X

@willlowthewhisp Research suggests pheromones encourage mating between people of differentiated immune systems. E.g. https://t.co/wfBZtbdqko

Dec 22, 2021 · 2,301 followers View post →
@docbio.bsky.social
@DocBio1509 · X

@HalleVerkehrt @Zvjedavaa @Propofolium @Nell781 Zum Beispiel https://t.co/SssYUysGxW

Dec 14, 2021 · 459 followers View post →
Reverto Thesea Sr.
@nYcDnA · X

@DanielGriffinMD Well this makes a lot more sense! Genetic diversity! https://t.co/MViTitCOFt

Oct 17, 2021 · 564 followers View post →
Y
@medericdegoy · X

@Rainmaker1973 https://t.co/v4oQIp77Lg - there is a catch : « This difference in odour assessment was reversed when the women rating the odours were taking oral contraceptives »

Oct 3, 2021 · 794 followers View post →
.
@GABRIH3LLL · X

@Naturalistcyber @mochiladcriansa eu tinha visto num vídeo e na época procurei o estudo e consegui ler, mas agora só encontrei esse que tá com acesso restrito (dá pra ler pelo menos o resumo kkkkkkk) https://t.co/UFAXjnknwf

Aug 27, 2021 · 1 like · 156 followers View post →
Genki Takiuchi
@takiuchi · X

これが原典かな。https://t.co/aX5aIkVeaN 女性の場合、(偽)妊娠状態によって嗜好が反転するらしい。生物学的に人間は子供の養育を父親ではなく母親とその親族が行うようになっているという事だろうか? https://t.co/QE9DJaPj5t

Mar 22, 2021 · 1,964 followers View post →
Instant Chemistry
@InstantChem · X

In 1995, women smelled shirts worn by men & ranked their attractiveness. The genetic link to attractiveness was how different were their HLA genes. https://t.co/48v63b3Q70 #couplegoals #relationships #relationshipgoals #science #DNA #love https://t.co/oqUpBufjvY

Feb 2, 2021 · 1 like · 1,264 followers View post →
ぼんちゃん
@bonnchan · X

pubmedにもある! https://t.co/Lj19VryUoK

Jan 10, 2021 · 277 followers View post →
ぼんちゃん
@bonnchan · X

PBSならソースとしてマシか。 https://t.co/YW70W7HvvP これか https://t.co/0aOAcsORyS

Jan 10, 2021 · 277 followers View post →
mismo algarroba en bluski
@DrXaverius · X

RT @The_Lagrangian: ran into "MHC compatibility determines mate preference via smell" in the wild and it hit me in the face that the result…

Oct 5, 2020 · 4 shares · 2,946 followers View post →
Charlie Awbery
@_awbery_ · X

RT @The_Lagrangian: ran into "MHC compatibility determines mate preference via smell" in the wild and it hit me in the face that the result…

Sep 25, 2020 · 4 shares · 2,937 followers View post →
Adam Strandberg
@strandbergbio · X

@theKongfuzi this is the actual link, i put it one to a scihub proxy that is working for me, maybe you need a different one https://t.co/KyNpj2SVFy

Sep 25, 2020 · 1 like · 5,631 followers View post →
Sneer Of Command
@SneerOfCommand · X

RT @The_Lagrangian: ran into "MHC compatibility determines mate preference via smell" in the wild and it hit me in the face that the result…

Sep 24, 2020 · 4 shares · 160 followers View post →
Lucre Snooker
@LucreSnooker · X

RT @The_Lagrangian: ran into "MHC compatibility determines mate preference via smell" in the wild and it hit me in the face that the result…

Sep 24, 2020 · 4 shares · 3,474 followers View post →
Adam Strandberg
@strandbergbio · X

ran into "MHC compatibility determines mate preference via smell" in the wild and it hit me in the face that the result was probably bullshit, so i looked up the original paper and hoo boy https://t.co/60VaylCNqI https://t.co/pO4b2GBZzV

Sep 24, 2020 · 28 likes · 4 shares · 5,631 followers View post →
Av. Selcen Bayün
@selcen_bayun · X

RT @smutlubm: Çalışmanın orijinalini buraya bırakıyorum. Terli tişört testi ile aşkın bilimine merak duyanlara... https://t.co/idMIsTzGRN

Apr 4, 2020 · 1 share · 309 followers View post →
sunahocamyoktunuz?
@smutlubm · X

Çalışmanın orijinalini buraya bırakıyorum. Terli tişört testi ile aşkın bilimine merak duyanlara... https://t.co/idMIsTzGRN https://t.co/yCkdV1dhX8

Apr 4, 2020 · 14 likes · 1 share · 20,158 followers View post →
Eswar Ramalingam
@eswaramalingam · X

Add to this the MHC/HLA differences amongst humans in relation to body odour "MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans"-https://t.co/xlgE6JV26N, the body odour field is very intriguing to study-given the nexus between armpit microbiome, MHC/HLA diversity, reproductive hormones!

Dec 6, 2019 · 1 like · 389 followers View post →
Cliona O'Farrelly
@ClionaOfarrelly · X

‘in a shopping mall in Penang. Has someone finally found a way to commercialise Claus Wedekind’s intriguing T shirt data? Wedekind C, Seebeck T, Bettens F, Paepke AJ. MHC-dependent mate preferences in humans. Proc Biol Sci. 1995;260(1359):245–249. doi:10.1098/rspb.1995.0087 https://t.co/NfI1lFjwl0

Dec 1, 2019 · 10 likes · 2,904 followers View post →
S.A.M.
@daselangP · X

参考文献 Wedekind, C.; et al. (1995). "MHC-dependent preferences in humans". Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 260 (1359): 245–49. https://t.co/z2U1nahrOp

Sep 20, 2019 · 205 followers View post →
☄️❄️卂
@AntiKripkean · X

@LucioMM1 @pedroharunari @primalpoly This experiment? I've already heard about it. https://t.co/2y6mmQWEDd

May 28, 2019 · 224 followers View post →
novemberrain1108
@Tatsunori_Ishii · X

昼休みに話題になった「MHCの遺伝子タイプが似ていない相手の体臭は快く感じる」という有名なWedekindらのRoy.Soc.B論文 https://t.co/AcZ9PGxRen https://t.co/9rwEYEOZ9D 調べてみると2017年に、少なくとも男性でそういう現象は起きないとの論文が出ていた https://t.co/eL7cKi3xT7

May 7, 2019 · 1 like · 632 followers View post →
Dicle
@perplexedico · X

https://t.co/NFQARfoJQV

Apr 27, 2019 · 23 followers View post →