/oss/taxonomy/term/2591/all en /oss/article/history-general-science/phenylethylamine-said-stroke-fire-love-here-comes-water-bucket <p>American humorist James Thurber reputedly once remarked that “love is a strange bewilderment which overtakes one person on account of another person.” Anyone who has ever been in love will agree. That strange bewilderment can take many forms, ranging from butterflies in the stomach to hours of mind-dominating thoughts and heart palpitations at the prospect of an encounter. Clearly, the body’s chemistry is being affected. But how? Is there a chemical trigger for that emotional rush?</p> Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:02:53 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9832 at /oss /oss/article/history/valentines-day-time-smell-roses <p>There are more red roses sold on Valentine’s Day than on any other day of the year. They hold a special place among flowers, particularly because of their associations with romance. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, The Goddess of Love, fell in love with the mortal shepherd Adonis. When he was gored by a wild boar, she rushed to his aid but as she brushed by a wild rose bush her skin was pierced by its thorns. Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her blood and dripped on the rose bush which thenceforth produced the red roses that came to symbolize love and passion.</p> Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9379 at /oss /oss/article/news/pucker <p>And just when I was getting used to being single in the summer. July 6th rolls around; International Kissing Day. It’s like a second Valentine’s Day but less sweet. I mean really, no chocolate? But then I think. Sure dedicating an entire day to acknowledge one single pucker of the lips may seem slightly over-the-top, yet there truly is no other display of emotion in which everyone can relate.</p> Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:52:14 +0000 Emily Shore, B.A, Dipl. PR Management 1715 at /oss