The belly button is probably best known as either a source of mystery fluff or the site of 1990s pop stars’ rebellious piercings.
But a new study suggests the navel should be taken more seriously – the particular scent of an individual’s belly button could reveal vital clues to their health.
Researchers analysed the odours captured on swabs that had been swept across people’s nostrils, belly buttons and outer ears.
Those body parts were chosen for testing based on the idea that they might be ‘odour reservoirs’ where deodorants, perfumes and other external chemicals were less likely to interfere with natural scent.
Using laser
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