The Love Drug

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and what better way way to celebrate than to read up on the greatest of drugs –  love? Once thought to be ruled by the heart, much research has been done to show that the brain is truly responsible for seeking, attaining and keeping an object of desire.

Perhaps Cupid’s real name is Dr. Helen Fisher, a researcher at Rutgers University and author of two books on the brain science behind attraction and love.

Two online summaries of her research can be found here:

• Brains Do It: Lust, Attraction and Attachment
• The Brain in Love and Lust

Or, if you are a fan of TED Talks, here’s her 2008 presentation:

The Tufts Libraries also hold a handful of books on the topic. Remember, requests from Tisch Library are free and can be made directly through the catalog. Call or stop by the desk if you need help!

• Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
• The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating
• Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love

Speaking of the “love drug,” stop by the 4th floor desk for some chocolate tomorrow! Chocolate contains caffeine (which increases the output of feel-good serotonin) and phenethylamine (which triggers the release of endorphins).

So, if you aren’t in love, you can at least fake it with some chocolate, and if you are in love… keep riding the high!