Sexuality is so complicated that there are entire bodies of research dedicated to figuring it out. Sometimes low tech, sometimes high tech, always interesting and contentious, sex research looks at subjects from aphrodisiacs to arousal, as scientists continually try to unravel the mysteries of human desire.
Here's some of the most surprising news we've seen lately.
Sex Shocker #1: You lose your mind after orgasm.
During climax, the parts of women's brains that handle alertness and emotions - including fear and anxiety - go inactive, says new research. The area of the brain that governs emotional control is also heavily deactivated. And men? Well, the researchers couldn't tell; the scanning machines needed at least two minutes to record an activity and the men's climaxes didn't last nearly that long.
Sex Shocker #2: Working out makes you hot.
New reason to stick to that New Year's resolution: According to a study at the University of Texas at Austin, women who did twenty minutes of cardio before watching a sexy movie became more aroused than those who didn't work out. Just imagine if they started playing porn on the televisions in front of the treadmills...
Sex Shocker #3: Love and sex unrelated after all.
While sex and romance seem like they should be inextricably linked, new research indicates that the human brain clearly distinguishes between the two. While the study, by the State University of New York-Stony Brook, was small, it showed quite clearly that sex and romantic love involve different brain systems. The results of the brain scans speak to longstanding questions as to whether the pursuit of love and sex are different emotional endeavors (as men certainly seem to make them!) or if romance is just warmed-over sexual arousal. If it makes you feel any better, love was the more powerful emotion.
Sex Shocker #4: Education is sexy.
New research shows that men and women who've gone to college are more likely to give and receive oral pleasure. So maybe it's time to start looking for dates with degrees?
Sex Shocker #5: She can be turned out without knowing it.
Research indicates that women can show the physical signs of arousal without realizing it. That's why she needs mental and physical foreplay action. So next time she claims she's "not in the mood," you might want to double check.
