Science of Sex

sex, couple about to kiss, embrace
(Image credit: Credit: Dreamstime)

Here's what is known about human sex and sexuality in the physical, mental and emotional realms. LiveScience examines the latest psychological, biological and sociological studies on sex, ranging from dating and mating, to flirting and cheating, to birth control and STDs.

Latest about Science of Sex

Two people hugging on a bed

12 scientifically proven signs of love

By Robin Nixon Pompa last updated

Reference How are the signs of love related to chemistry in the brain?

Reference
Bouquet of dead roses.

3 Reasons You Might Hate Valentine's Day

By Stephanie Pappas published

Valentine's Day may be one of the most polarizing holidays on the calendar. Here's why it's hated.

A pregnant woman in the hospital.

Syphilis Cases Surge Among US Newborns, Reaching 20-Year High

By Rachael Rettner published

A resurgence of syphilis in the United States has led to a dramatic spike in cases of the disease among newborns, according to a new report.

The aluminum canteen was found in a forest in Czersk, Poland, in 2006 by a local man named Piotr Szulc. During World War I, the site was used by the German Army to hold prisoners of war, mainly Russians. One of the prisoners engraved this love scene.

WWI POW's Romantic Engraving Discovered 100 Years Later

By Owen Jarus published

More than 100 years ago, a Russian soldier held captive in a prisoner-of-war camp engraved a beautiful scene on an aluminum canteen showing two people, deeply in love, snuggling together.

hiv

Video Shows How HIV Infects Cells During Sex

By Rachael Rettner published

A new video shows the virus passing from an infected cell into a new host, as it would during sexual transmission.

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You Have a Second Immune System, and It Might Be Ruining Your Love Life

By Brandon Specktor published

In the battle against germs, your immune system is the best wing-man there is. When it comes to dating? Not so much.

This illustration shows a computer-generated image of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that cause gonorrhea.

UK Man with 'Worst Ever' Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea Is Now Cured

By Rachael Rettner published

The U.K. man who caught the "worst ever" case of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea has been cured.

This illustration shows a computer-generated image of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that cause gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea's Always Bad, But This Man's Case Might Be the 'Worst Ever'

By Rachael Rettner published

This could be the "worst ever" case of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea that doctors have seen.

An illustration of the herpes virus.

Here's How Many Americans Now Have Herpes

By Rachael Rettner published

Herpes infections have declined in the United States in recent years, according to a new report.

woman, laundry, scent, clothing

Why Sniffing Your Partner's Shirt Helps Reduce Stress

By Samantha Mathewson published

If you're feeling stressed, a whiff of your romantic partner's shirt may help you feel more relaxed, a new study shows.

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