Dating Site Uses DNA Tests to Match Couples
Forget the questionnaires used by companies like eHarmony – it's time to bring serious chemistry into online dating. For $199, you provide Genepartner.com with a swab of your saliva and they'll analyze your DNA to genetically set you up with a partner. Sounds pretty futuristic, right? Well, not exactly.The Swiss company isn't looking for genes that control metabolism or your propensity for brunettes. Rather, they're looking for your human leukocyte antigen, or HLA, molecules, which play a role in the immune system. Researchers found that people are more attracted to those with the most different HLA molecules from themselves.
The research was conducted on existing couples and their genetic combinations, and the service is also available for pairs who want to see how compatible they are. So, will this be the new trend in dating, or will personality and physical attraction still win out? Either way, at least you know the people here aren't putting up profile pictures from a few dozen pounds ago. [Source: Genepartner.com via TechCrunch]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Linda @ Jul 26th 2008 10:00PM
So basically, you pay $199 for them to tell you opposites attract?
hmmm...and where's the romance in that?
Sounds like a Star Trekky would go for this...smile
CC @ Jul 26th 2008 10:07PM
and the point of this article was?????????
frank Johnson @ Jul 26th 2008 10:33PM
HI its sound great to me I know that I've already tried eharmony which has not yet worked for me .I am curious about the comments that have already been placed here because there is a philosopy that says first and idea is rejected by the masses then its worms its way in a bit until it becomes accepted by most every one then it becomes part of our culture and then it may die or become out moded.
as are all of life cycles the times of just getting lucky are over here in this field and that I welcome any kind of growrth like this
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Ponytarose @ Jul 26th 2008 11:07PM
This is expensive and I don't think it would work anyways!
eddie @ Jul 27th 2008 7:30AM
there is absolutely no connection. another way to try and fool people out of money.
Claire Simmons @ Jul 28th 2008 4:52PM
I think they want to offer this to people using dating sites already, sort of like an extra check on the people you’re thinking of getting serious with. And this might be a “premium” service established sites might want to offer their members. Sure puts you apart from the competition. (Doesn’t chemistry.com do something similar?) When you want to get serious - maybe your virtual flirt lives far away? - you check the physical chemistry (read “genetic compatibility”). What’s $200 if it works? These lab tests (PCR testing) ain't cheap.