Researchers at a major science university have demonstrated a striking ability to infer a person’s gender from the odor emitted by their hands, achieving accuracy around 96 percent in controlled tests. The findings have been reported in a leading open access journal, underscoring a potential tool for forensic investigations when physical evidence is limited. This work adds to a growing body of research on human body odor and its links to biology and environment.
The study involved thirty men and thirty women who refrained from washing their hands for an hour. After this interval, a treated gauze pad was held against the skin for ten minutes, allowing volatile compounds to adhere to the fabric alongside the natural skin residues. These volatile organic compounds reflect genetics, lifestyle, and physiological factors that shape odor profiles.
Multiple analytical approaches were used to characterize the samples, including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry combined with robust statistical methods. The result showed a clear distinction in odor profiles between genders, with the maximum reported accuracy reaching roughly ninety six to ninety seven percent. While the overall patterns differ between men and women, the specific substances and their relative amounts driving the separation remain to be identified in detail. Ongoing studies aim to map these components and understand how they interact with individual biology.
In the broader context of scent research, experts emphasize careful interpretation and ethical considerations when applying odor analysis to forensics. The current work signals the potential for odor-based biomarkers to complement traditional evidence, especially in cases where DNA or fingerprints are degraded or unavailable. As the field advances, future investigations will refine the understanding of gender-specific odor signatures and evaluate the reliability of odor-based methods across diverse populations and real-world scenarios. Citations: PLOS ONE study and related forensic science literature