By Jeff Hofmann
It''s Valentine''s Day. Love is in the air. Well, there''s something in the air.
For years scientists have tried to determine just what it is that attracts people to each other.
'Looks aren''t everything,' said Karen Goodman, 22, a student from Chicago majoring in marriage, family and human development. 'It''s chemistry. There''s something behind the looks.'
Goodman agrees with what seems to be the prevailing scientific theory on the subject - that humans, like animals, give off and detect subliminal scents known as pheromones which cause various physical reactions.
'This theory has been kicked around for a long time,' said Allan Judd, associate professor of zoology. 'There is something that is released from humans. That''s been known for quite a while.'
Some studies claim to have detected a hidden organ called a vomeronasal organ, or VNO, in human noses that detects pheromones. In essence, these studies say people have a sixth sense that they are not consciously aware of.
But this theory is far from unanimous in the scientific community.
'I don''t think there''s anything magical about it,' Judd said.
Judd said if human pheromones do exist, they would be detected the same way as other odors, just more subtly.
Pheromones or not, there are many physical and nonphysical reasons men and women are attracted to each other.
'Light cleaveth unto light,' said Stephanie Beeston, 23, a recent BYU graduate. 'I think you''re attracted to people who are like you, who have the same ideas and values.'
Physical characteristics are also important.
Beeston said she is attracted to men who are confident, tall, have dark hair and are good dancers.
Kevin Huber, 23, a junior from Lafayette, Ind., majoring in management information systems, said he is less picky.
'I like girls who don''t slap me,' Huber said.
UVSC student Nate Cox, 23, said he finds physical imperfections in women attractive.
'Things like scars and dimples...they make them different,' he said. 'I think it makes them more attractive.'