A light-hearted look at sexual chemistry

Dr David Kelly of Cardiff University gave a lecture on ‘The Chemistry of Sexual Attraction’ at the University of St Andrews, Fife, in March. The lecture was hosted by the University of St Andrews Chemical Society, and was generously sponsored by the SCI Scotland Regional Group.

Dr Kelly gave a light-hearted and entertaining talk covering the science of semiochemicals and pheromones across all areas of the animal kingdom, including blue whales, elephants, tigers, bats, birds, cockroaches and even humans. The lecture went into detail about the chemicals that animals use to transmit information about sexual attraction, repulsion and other reactions. Some of the effects that these molecules have (and even the effects of the effects) really are amazing; who would have guessed that certain species would respond so significantly to just one single molecule, or comprehended the seemingly bizarre behaviour of others in order to initiate reproduction?

It was not all about sex however; we learned exactly what the compounds are that make excrement smell as it does, and the strange case of the ‘man with the smelly arm’ – the latter of which earned Dr Kelly an IgNobel prize.

It was fascinating to learn about the extraordinary chemical similarities between these stimulants and other everyday substances that we use — the chemical synthesis of which can mean big business for the fragrance and agrochemical industry.

After the lecture, SCI sponsored a wine reception and buffet, which was enjoyed by the large audience and which provided a chance to learn more about SCI, as well stocking up on complimentary stationery!