Love is in the (chilly) air, keeping florists, romantics, and would-be poets busy. Admittedly, the true origins of Valentine's Day-replete with scandal, violence, and gore-remain a bit murky with a few rivaling origin stories. The most likely, however, involves the ancient festival of Lupercalia, a raucous, wine-fueled fertility rite in which Romans partied hard and paired off. Here's a tamer cross section of hearty research, endearing stories, and moving moments from across the University of Rochester-sent your way with lots of love.
The science of love and relationships 🔬
Looking for a match made in heaven-or online? Science says stay grounded
Rochester psychologist and relationship expert Harry Reis has pointers on how to find and foster love, including how to get the most out of online dating.
The Price of Flirting
Picture this: You're at a bar when someone starts hitting shamelessly on your spouse or significant other, who doesn't flirt back. As the scene unfolds, your base instincts kick in-annoyance, anger, jealousy-followed by a greater desire for your partner. Right? Nope. Instead, the researchers discovered a surprising twist.
LOVE IN THE ICE AGE
Modern humans and Neanderthals had a fling or two. About 40,000 to 60,000 years ago, modern humans left Africa, encountering Neanderthals on the way, and, well, got cozy by the fire. And guess what-you may be the living proof: the gene flow between Neanderthals and modern humans means that today most non-Africans carry one to two percent Neanderthal DNA.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES. AND, YES, THE WORMS.
Not all nematodes are the same. Take it from male roundworms: They are really picky when it comes to choosing their tiny mates. According to research from the Portman Lab at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, male worms do not mate indiscriminately but rather are selective about their intended mate's age, mating history, and nutrition. The findings move us closer to solving the genetic mysteries behind the biology of attraction-from worms to humans.
Putting the 'art' in Valentine's hearts 🎨
Venus and Cupid
You probably know your Roman mythology and the story of Venus, goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, and her son Cupid, god of desire and attraction. But did you know that the University's Memorial Art Gallery has its own Rococo painting by the eponymous name?
Painted around 1732 by François Boucher-who worked primarily for Madame de Pompadour, famous mistress to Louis XV-the Venus and Cupid has been part of the collection at the MAG since 1950.
I Got It Bad
"When he's gone I'm cloudy with showers," sings Sara Gazarek, an associate professor of jazz voice at the Eastman School of Music, performing I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) at Eastman's 2023 Convocation. Gazarek herself has nothing to be blue about as a two-time Grammy winner for best arrangement, instruments, and vocals.
PUT IT IN WRITING
While Valentine cards represent love, affection, and friendship, they can also open a historical window into society's mores, interests, and predilections. Take a peek at mid-20th century American greeting cards and valentine images from the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation (RBSCP) at the River Campus Libraries.
Intimacy directing is making a difference on stage and beyond
Wonder what it takes to create intimate scenes in movies and on stage, while ensuring that actors feeling safe? Learn more about the field of intimacy direction, coordination, and choreography that began informally about 10 to 15 years ago.
