The Illusion of Genetic Romance

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February 14, 2020

Dear Reader,   Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, romance has connected humans for millennia. In fact, our species evolved to become emotionally attached to each other because it helped us survive. There are research-backed ways to help people understand and strengthen emotional relationships. Scientists have also studied what happens in our brain to make us crave the object of our affection. Today’s stories explore the science of love, from genetic matchmaking to getting over a breakup. For an extra treat, learn how chocolate can help save the world.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Behavior & Society The Illusion of Genetic Romance Matchmaking based on “DNA compatibility” may sound intriguing, but the underlying science is hardly convincing By Mira Michels-Gualtieri,Jacob M. Appel

Neuroscience What Goes On in Our Brains When We Are in Love? Romantic love involves a series of complex changes in the brain’s reward system that make us crave the object of our affection By Xiaomeng Xu,Ariana Tart-Zelvin

Biology Here's the One Thing Not to Do on Valentine's Day Avoid the example of animals that practice semelparity and don’t murder your mate

Behavior & Society How to Recover from Romantic Heartbreak Use “negative reappraisal,” and understand you have work to do—time alone may not be enough By Guy Winch

Climate How Chocolate Can Help Save the Planet Your Valentine’s treat can be relatively climate-friendly—as long as it’s shade-grown By Timothy Pearson

EARTH A Collection of Gems For Your Valentine's Day Enjoyment Even if V-Day leaves you meh, the geology of gemstones is still pretty great.

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FROM THE ARCHIVE Deciphering the Language of Love Attachment science is helping couples master communication and connection—and getting through conflict By Sue Johnson | July 2017

QUOTE OF THE DAY "Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do--but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it." Albert Einstein

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