Every person has a unique fragrance, similar to a fingerprint or DNA sample, which could be used to create a database of human scents, scientists say. Eating powerful foods such as chili or garlic may change how we smell, but it does not disguise our underlying genetically-determined aroma, tests on mice have shown. Creatures who were given strong-smelling foods were still recognised by their peers. The signature smells may have evolved to help in choosing mates and marking out territories. Biologically based odourprints, like fingerprints, could be a reliable way to identify individuals. __
