funny, funny. I love numbers on human behavior

http://www.iht.com/search/ihtsearch.php?id=528925&owner=(NYT)&date=20040713151534

I also love science on human behavior -- there's been much chatter recently on the relationship between the neurochemical oxytocin and falling in love. Scientists have known for some time that when mothers give birth their brains are flooded with the stuff -- causing the sudden extreme attachment that we associate with maternity.  Apparently this chemical is released in slightly smaller doses when we engage in amorous rites (that means sex) or when we, apart from amorous rites, find ourselves falling in love. In fact, the brain of a mother breast feeding her infant and the brain of a teenager gazing into their young beloved's eyes look remarkably similar. 

I'd kind of like a picture of that brain. I'd put it on my wall and say, that's what love looks like inside you.  I wonder if it bears any resemblance to what love looks like in the world.

(two good articles about this can be found in Brown's Alumni Magazine (I know, weird!), and this week's nytimes magazine.)