What's That Smell?

DHS is looking into further studies around the viability of utilizing human body odor as the next biometric identifier.

The goal of the research is twofold. Firstly, DHS hopes to determine if odors can serve as an "indicator of deception" and secondly, to show support for the theory that each individual's scent is completely one-of-a-kind.

According to this Washington Times article, "Scientific research shows that so-called volatile organic compounds present in human sweat, saliva and urine can be analyzed using a technique known as gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry." Research has even shown that unique compound combinations in sweat -- a natural secretion for all human beings -- might differentiate one individual from another!

However, with such an erratic substance, challenges are inevitable:

"The reason for the variation in distinctiveness is unclear," Royal Society in London researchers said. More importantly, the odors of some people changed during the course of the study: "Not all subjects had consistent marker compounds over time, which might be due to physiological, dietary, or other changes."

Additionally, researchers still haven't determined the effects of "exogenous chemical contaminants" -- soaps, perfumes, colognes, cigarette smoke and other environmental elements that may alter or shield a person's natural odor. Obviously, there are many kinks to be worked out before real-world tests occur, and I have got stong feeling that "odor recognition" won't be an simple technology to get right. In any case, I am not holding my breath...wait, let me rethink that.