Exploring the Science of Love

Emotions and feelings stand in the spotlight of extensive neuroscientific exploration. Join us as we think about  the mysteries behind the most quintessential human feeling – love!

📚 Research Breakdown: Marazziti et al (2020) describe how love is not a singular experience but a voyage through distinct phases, each orchestrated by well-conserved neural substrates shaped by evolution. Their proposed model delves into two key stages:

1️⃣ Romantic Love – Fearful Waltz:

• Activation of brain limbic structures.
• Regulation of fear/anxiety reactions.
• Changes in neurotransmitters – increased monoamine levels, decreased serotonin concentrations.

2️⃣ Attachment Love – Oxytocin Embrace:

• Governed by structures regulating the attachment system.
• Involvement of neuropeptides (oxytocin and vasopressin) and neurotrophins.
• Positive impact on mental and physical health, revealing the profound benefits of love.

💡 Hope for the Future: While the proposed model finds support in converging data, the authors acknowledge their speculative and oversimplified nature due to limited available data. The researchers recognise that the vast landscape of love remains largely unexplored and they hope that future research in neuroscience will bring to light one of the most captivating and still largely unknown mysteries of human nature.