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Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science observed 153 volunteers and found that people tend to smell their own hands after shaking hands with another person, indicating that humans may be using social chemosignaling more than we think. The study confirmed that an actual odor occurs after a handshake.
Most of us follow customs and manners without stopping to think why we do them. For example, why do people shake hands? Fortunately, the question came to some researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Researchers observed 153 volunteers and found that people tend to smell their own hands after shaking hands with another person, similar to the way dogs test each other for scent. The study indicates that humans may be using social chemosignaling much more than we think. The researchers wanted to better understand how humans transmit and use chemosensory signals. They looked at one of the most common ways humans touch each other: handshakes. Simple observation showed that after a handshake, people generally touched their faces with the same hand. However, the researchers needed to confirm whether an actual odor was occurring. Then they attached tools to volunteers to measure airflow to their noses. The study showed that after shaking hands, the volunteers sniffed their hand, similar to the way dogs and rats use scent to signal.
Learn more about the handshake:
The handshake is believed to date back to 5th century Greece.
Handshakes transfer the chemicals squalene and hexadecanoic acid.
Handshake etiquette varies from country to country. Some countries prefer a firm handshake, others a weak one.
