Love & sex
Love is in the air! Love and sex define our species. They drive evolution through our reproduction. Our identities are formed around sexual orientation and attraction. The huge changes we go through during puberty are equally influential in the development of our personalities. And, of course, many of our characteristics, both physical and in our personalities, come from the genes that our parents pass down to us.
Women’s sexual desire is widely misrepresented, here’s what we actually know
Better education and awareness of one of our most basic needs is an often overlooked field of research.
Is porn bad for you?
In our digitally connected world, it’s easy to find sexually explicit material. But is porn just harmless eroticism or can it have harmful effects?
Why do we fall in love?
Is it companionship, procreation or something more? Dr Anna Machin reveals what makes us so willing to become targets for Cupid’s arrow.
Protein that helps sperm to fuse with eggs could improve fertility treatments
Named Maia, after the Greek goddess of motherhood, this protein is a key finding for the future of fertility.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
Snip snap, snip snap.
Why does researching bisexuality matter?
Throwing all non-heterosexual people into one bucket means not all the letters of the rainbow alphabet have been able to shine.
Intimacy famine: Are smartphones really making us more lonely?
Dr Michelle Drouin, a professor of psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, discusses whether we're all in need of more intimacy, and whether technology can help or hurt.
Reality Check | Are we really having less sex?
Research suggests that adults and teenagers are having less sex now than 30 years ago. But is there more to the story, and why does it matter anyway?
The IUD is safe, convenient and effective – so why don’t women want it?
The copper coil IUD involves fewer complications than other contraceptive methods, yet having it fitted can be 'traumatic'.
Scientifically, could love count as an addiction?
Love actually carries some of the neurological signatures of drug addiction.
Scientifically, how long does it take to fall in love?
Certain animals can form lifelong bonds in a single day. But what about humans?
How to tell if you're in love, according to science
According to some neuroscientists, it's possible to distinguish between different types of love in your brain.
Q&A special | 17 reasonably romantic questions you asked us about the science of love (and sex)
Love is in the air, but what does that even mean? You've asked us a lot of questions about love - here's the science to really keep the romance alive.
This is your brain on love: the beautiful neuroscience behind all romance
The power of love is a curious thing – particularly when it comes to your mind.
Loved-up lemurs shed (some) light on the mystery of monogamy
'Cuddle chemicals' oxytocin and vasopressin seem to influence different species’ tendencies to settle down or play the field.
Monogamy and mating | The surprising similarities between birds and humans
Studies into avian relationships can help us understand why our ancestors might have opted for monogamy.
Will it ever be possible for a same-sex couple to have a biological baby together?
Asked by: Nick Tupper, London
Is the ‘seven-year itch’ a real thing?
Asked by: Shauna Downs
How did the heart become synonymous with love?
Asked by: Sandra Meyer, Exeter
A scientist's guide to life | How not to date a psychopath
As Valentine’s Day rolls around again, forensic psychologist Kerry Daynes explains how to avoid the pitfalls of dating.
Do any other animals have sex for pleasure?
Asked by: Bill Strudwick, via email
Where does jealousy come from?
Steve Stewart-Williams investigates why the 'green-eyed monster' evolved in humans, and indeed why it might just have helped us survive.
Quick Q&A: Is there an animal with a penis on its head?
Just asking for a friend…
Is love just a chemical reaction?
Blame it on your hormones all you like, although they play a part in taking you to lovey-dovey town, there are also non-chemical factors involved in whether we fall in love.