Changes in Body Odors: From Childhood to Adolescence

 Our previous studies have shown that parents are generally good at identifying the body odors of their infants and prefer these odors to those of other children. 

However, this odor preference decreases with the onset of puberty. We want to investigate the underlying mechanisms and find out whether the change in odor has a specific function in parent-child interaction.

In this DFG-funded project, we are investigating the sensory-chemical profile of body odors during human development, from newborns to adolescents. In collaboration with our colleagues at FAU Erlangen, in particular Dr. Helene LoosExternal link from the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, we are recording how the chemical composition of body odor changes and how parents perceive these changes.

We are still looking for interested parents for this study. If you would like to take part, please contact us!

Contact persons: Ilona Croy & Sarah Weißhart