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Scientists are studying the significance of a kiss. But what can science tell us about kissing that we don't already know?
Helen Fisher: It can tell you why kissing is so meaningful. Why we're so scared of that first kiss, whether is going to be right or wrong. And we somehow sense that kissing is a powerful stimulant of certain brain systems or a powerful turn-off to certain brain systems.
You're listening to anthropologist Helen Fisher of Rutgers University and chief scientific advisor to the online dating site, chemistry.com.
Helen Fisher: The brain is a very fine mechanism for establishing whether we think we're wasting our time on a romantic relationship or not.
Fisher said that when people kiss, they are receiving and interpreting chemical signals. She said testosterone and estrogen are absorbed into the bloodstream through the cheek cells, and make their way into the brain. Kissing can drive up levels of dopamine associated with falling in love and oxytocin, which is associated with feelings of attachment.
Helen Fisher: Five of the twelve cranial nerves become activated when you kiss somebody. Five out of twelve! The nerves are, enormous number of nerves are collecting data and sending very powerful signals to the brain.
For today, that's our show. I'm Lindsay Patterson for ES. EarthSky is a clear voice for science. We're at www.hxen.com .