Scientists have known for decades about an organ just inside the

nasal cavity called the vomeronasal organ or VNO, and its sole function

is to detect trace amounts of airborne chemicals called pheromones.

Pheromones detected by the VNO have been shown in laboratory tests to

send powerful signals directly to the limbic region of the brain, also

known as the “seat of emotions”. This region of the brain is not

directly connected to reason or cognitive thought patterns, rather it

controls our emotions and sexual desires. So, the stimulating feelings

we experience from pheromones can be quite powerful.

When these sexual and romantic feelings overwhelm us, our brains

release a chemical called phenethylamine which in turn kicks on dopamine

production and the next thing we know, the fireworks begin.