Scientists have long known that mammals are attracted to other individuals with a similar scent, but what was not expected is the way in which we smell affects how others see us and more importantly- who they find attractive.
For example, one study discovered when women smelled sweat samples from men of different ethnicities their preferences for partners varied depending on whether or not those smells were familiar to them; as such some found Caucasian male odors most appealing while African American males had less appeal due to unfamiliarity.
Mammals instinctively search out mates by comparing our scents- something scientists used this knowledge about extensively before discovering just how deeply it affected every aspect of social interaction. We now know that human pheromones do nothing however there is evidence suggesting certain