A mystery chemical isolated from the sweat of young women seems to act as a romance booster for their older counterparts. Pheromones are airborne chemicals secreted from the body and recognized by their smell. Humans and animals emit pheromones. Participants who used the perfume containing the chemical reported increase interest in intimacy from their male partners.

A Harvard University researcher added the pheromone to the perfume of older women and found it had a positive effect on their romantic lives. Other experts said they needed to know more about how the chemical might work.

Joan Friebely of Harvard University and Susan Rako, a doctor from Newton, Massachusetts, studied the behavior of 44 post-menopausal women. Half were given a perfume with the compound while the remainder used a fragrance with a placebo or dummy chemical. Only 14 percent of women using the perfume with the placebo reported an increase in affection from their partners, publishes Reuters.

Pheromones are invisible natural scent signals which alter animal behaviour. In the animal kingdom they are widely used to attract mates, but controversy surrounds their effect on humans.

The study, also published in the Journal of Sex Behaviour, said 41% of pheromone users reported more kissing and affection from their partners, compared with 14% who had the dummy perfume.

In addition, 68% of pheromone users reported increases in one of four "intimate socio-sexual behaviours", such as formal dates and intercourse, compared with 41% on the placebo dose, informs BBC News.

We all want to improve our romance skills. And here's the place to share what worked for you. Or what you wish your partner would do. Whether your story tells of 50 years ago, 5 months ago or whether you're even with the person anymore, it doesn't matter. What matters is the experience and the pleasant feelings that experience still brings. Come on and give the rest of us a chance to try it too!