Nope, its not a review of the film, but rather a review of an article recently picked out by Zhang Yi designed to scientifically answer
"What IS love, actually?"
Scientists have been studying brain activities and chemical levels in all kinds of animals to try and answer this very question. In summary, they've discovered its basically oxytocin and vasopressin.
Glad thats cleared up...
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... what? You wanted more details?.. FINE.
Many mammals have a connection between parent and child. In evolutionary terms, such a connection improves the odds the child will survive and thus is better for the species. This connection, in females at least, is produced by a large amount of oxy released during childbirth. In simple terms it produces a kind of addiction, in a similar way as cocaine or heroine, and associates it with the child.
Long term connections between lovers is far less common in mammals, and serves much less purpose in terms of survival. Studies in humans show that the chemical reactions and brain activities that take place when lovers see each other is in fact disturbingly similar to those that take place when a mother sees their child. Love between partners is basically a mutation of the bond of a mother.
Sexual activities release more of these chemicals and may, therefore, improve relationships.
OK, thats oxy, what about vas?
Well vas is the male equivalent. Similar to oxy, it promotes bonding and paternal instincts. Unlike oxy, it also encourages violent tendencies towards potential rivals. Interestingly, the effect of vas on males is NOT always guaranteed. Some males seem to have a certain gene which seems to greatly reduce the chances of them being happy in a long term relationship with anyone.
Some males are actually, physically and mentally, not able to feel "true" love. Ever.
The other interesting (aka worryingly scary) fact is that since scientists are learning more about the chemicals responsible for love, it suggests the mystical "love potion" may not stay so mythical. Theorectically, it may be possible to drug someone to love you, and weirdly they might not even get upset about it.
In fact, they'd probably love you for it...
