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August 1, 2008

Strange But True!

Q. Short of concocting some “Love Potion No. 9,” as in the old song, what's a real-world lover to do these days to enhance relationship building via artificial means?

A. People have been trying to crack this one for thousands of years, says Eleanor Case in “New Scientist” magazine. Today, a nasal spray containing the hormone oxytocin is said to increase trust, an important part of any relationship. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can stimulate the euphoria of falling in love by raising levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine but exercise can do this legally. Another neurotransmitter — the “love molecule” phenylethylamine (PEA) — can induce feelings of excitement, though it can also trigger apprehension. PEA is found in chocolate, and it too is linked to the feel-good effects of exercise. “Overall, a swift jog could be more conducive to love than anything you might find in a bottle.”


 
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