With Valentine’s Day in our midst, many couples are planning for a romantic evening. Perhaps one of the most romantic gestures is cooking for your loved one. While searching for the perfect romantic meal perhaps you’ve decided to add aphrodisiacs to your menu in the hopes of making the romance stretch beyond dinner. We’ve all heard of aphrodisiacs, but is there any actual science behind these claims?

This article was originally posted by Jelena Djurkic on MaRS news blog here.   The wedding is still on. Last year, I got engaged to my boyfriend of seven years. Last week, I took a DNA test to see just how genetically compatible we are. Toronto biotech startup Instant Chemistry offers genetic testing that can help determine relationship compatibility with a potential partner. Originally designed to help singles narrow down prospective matches, the company has also found success with young couples looking to test their genetic fit. With more people turning to their laptops and apps to find love—25% of Canadians have tried online dating—codifying attraction at a glance based on gender, location, sexual preference, religion and so on is becoming the norm. So why not add genetics into the mix? In honour of Valentine’s Day, I decided to give Instant Chemistry a try with my fiancé. What did our results reveal?

You’ve been on the dating circuit longer than you’re ready to admit and you’ve found lots of interested men, but sex is their interest, not settling down. You’re understandably discouraged. You certainly want relationship compatibility, but first he has to be available to go the distance, you’re done with the sprinter circuit. You’d love some encouraging news.

Recently, Instant Chemistry released our love manual which accompanies a client’s genetic and psychological results.  It’s a really in-depth booklet, meant to turn your DNA result into a meaningful and useful tool to strengthen your relationship and help it grow.  But what does it include?  Here we show you what to expect when you receive your very own love manual.

For years scientists have tried to uncover the mystery of human attraction. While there is still mystery, one important part of human attraction has been discovered and it resides in our genes. Two people with different immunity genes find each other more irresistible than two people with the same immunity genes. This even happens in animals like mice and fish. They do this by using their highly sensitive nose to figure out if a potential mate has similar of different immunity genes than themselves. But if our sense of smell is not as sensitive as a fish or mouse is smell really part of human attraction? Turns out it is!