103. Professor Love
usedbooks on Oct. 24, 2010
I don’t know why, but I find the science of attraction fascinating. Maybe it’s because I’m perpetually single. It also gets me to thinking my singleness might have less to do with MHCs and more to do with the fact that I find them fascinating. ^_^;
Anyway, for those who haven’t heard of this, here’s what it is talking about. Basically, MHC’s are the body’s immune agents, and there are several different forms depending on your genetics. It is better to have heterozygous (two different types of) genes because your body will be defended against a wider range of pathogens. It is a logical hypothesis that people ideally would choose partners whose MHCs differ from their own. This hypothesis was tested on both genders a few different times by a few different groups of researchers. As usual, results of some experiments were contradictory, but most supported the hypothesis. People are attracted to those whose MHCs are dissimilar (except when using oral contraceptives). The method by which people detect these MHCs is apparently olfactory. In short, love at first sight might actually be love at first smell.
We can also conclude that one should avoid oral contraceptives to avoid being attracted to one’s cousins.
Fitz at 5:40AM, Nov. 5, 2010
I KNEW it! :D Also, as I read somewhere, women have a more acute sense of smell than men.
AzuJOD at 5:39PM, Oct. 25, 2010
LOL!
Jonko at 4:44PM, Oct. 25, 2010
haha, i actually always wished someone would ask that at these presentations!
usedbooks at 9:17AM, Oct. 25, 2010
Oh, and that people stay together is definitely a social function not a chemical/biological one. Attraction is pretty much completely unrelated to relationships. It's hard to start a romantic relationship without it, though (at least in a society that has gotten away from arranged marriages).
usedbooks at 7:24AM, Oct. 25, 2010
@smkinoshita Science of attraction definitely interests me because I've had dozens of "crushes," but no romantic relationships. I also have a lot of close friends of both genders that I certainly feel no attraction for. Since I'm prone to pondering things, and as a hopeless romantic, I like to watch how couples interact and hear "how we met" stories, I ponder how people end up "in love" mutually. XD @ayesinback Honestly, I hated chemistry. I think my professors did all they could to make it more complicated, boring, and frustrating. The sad thing is, I'm a naturally curious person who loves to learn new things, and I like to think I have a sharp and willing mind. A few professors ruined that. I think they wanted to use the University lab facilities but hated teaching and hated their students. So, shame on them. The sad fact is, my Organic Chemistry grade actually went up when I stopped attending class. I studied for the nationally standardized final using the internet, not my book and not (heaven forbid) the lectures. I can safely say that the professor taught me nothing. /rant ~~~ Btw, chemistry, biology, and biochemistry subjects ARE fascinating when you learn the procedures and applications and aren't forced to memorize endless vocabulary, structures, and reactions. Molecular biology was one of my favorite classes. My professor was a sarcastic Frenchman who was passionate about his subject and had exams that tested understanding -- not memory. I remember questions that started with "Design an experiment to..."
ayesinback at 7:05AM, Oct. 25, 2010
I think it's hilarious that chemists continue to explore new avenues to make chemistry more alluring
smkinoshita at 6:21AM, Oct. 25, 2010
Heh, all I know is the comic is funny and I have no idea how attraction works. What I do know is that regardless of chemical attraction, keeping a couple together requires a lot more mental work and communication.
harkovast at 5:24AM, Oct. 25, 2010
Here is what my science uncovered... Confidence. Chicks dig confidence. Now you know the secret, use this knowledge wisely. (If the guy can play the guitar, that also helps.)
ghostrunner at 12:10AM, Oct. 25, 2010
he gets the formula for nitric oxide A LOT!