Websites boast ability to match couples based on genetics

Match.com and eHarmony.com are common relationship sites, but a new trend has entered the dating scene that is getting a little scientific.

Websites like scientificmatch.com and dnadatingcoach.com claim that they can better link people based on their genetic code. The theory comes from the idea that people subconsciously look for partners that will strengthen their chance for healthy children.

"Our immune system produces all the proteins," said Greg Carey, an associate professor of psychology. "What you would like to do is have something highly variable because the more types of proteins you can glue together to recognize the bad guys in your body the better. Consequently if one is looking to optimize the immune system of kids, it's a good idea to get somebody who's different than you."

By sending a sample of DNA to one of the websites' labs, a person could find an ideal genetic match within a few weeks. The sites claim that having a genetic code that is different enough from a partner's would not only produce healthier children, but would create better chemistry between the couple.

Experts however, are skeptical. "Our knowledge of how genes influence behavior is rudimentary especially in humans," said Brent Hawkins, a biology grad student. "And even if we did have a full understanding of the genetics behind behavior, we do have a large environmental component to the way we behave and act."

Dr. Carey cited one example of a factor that these genetic tests would not be able to detect. "Humans are attracted to others based on intelligence and achievement," said Carey. "Nobody really wants to marry somebody who only has two neurons to rub together."

The websites run anywhere from $99-$2000 to become a member, but the experts seem to agree that the science has not yet been proven accurate enough to call this method foolproof.