Dating Service to Use DNA

The £120-a-time Gmatch service uses saliva samples to test whether potential partners are compatible and claims a better success rate than any other matchmaking website.

Founder Sarah A. Port, 25, said: “When we meet someone for the first time, we know within seconds whether we’re attracted to them or not.”

“Without realising it, the first thing we do when we meet someone is sniff them. It’s all to do with the chemicals–or pheromones–that we give off,” she added.

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The Switzerland-based company [GenePartner] says they can use a $199 DNA test (compare to $1,000 for 23andMe) to help you find your perfect match, statistically speaking. They’ve analyzed “hundreds of couples” and have determined the genetic patterns found in successful relationships. Based on their algorithm and your DNA, they’ll determine the probability for a satisfying and long-lasting relationship between two people (color me skeptical).

What about romance? Chemistry? That certain je ne sais quoi when you meet someone and get a tingling sensation in your stomach? Forget it. The future of dating is DNA tests and buccal swabs, so get used to it:

A brush for collecting your DNA sample from your saliva–called a buccal swab kit–will be sent to your address. {snip}

GenePartner is looking to partner with dating sites and have those services encourage users to see if they’re a DNA match.

Will they be able to avoid tough emerging U.S. laws around genetic testing? Well, they’re in Switzerland. {snip}